Excessive Heat Warning:
El Paso, Tx. can reach temperatures of up to 110 degrees.  

Please take care of yourself and your loved ones during the heat wave.

Learn more about tips to reduce the risk of extreme fatigue or heat stroke from high temperatures. It’s important to know that high temperatures can cause illness and even death. When the temperature rises to extreme levels, please consider the following tips:

1. Stay indoors and in an air-conditioned environment as much as possible unless you are sure your body has a high tolerance for heat.
   
   
2. Drink plenty of fluids but avoid drinks that contain alcohol, caffeine, or excessive sugar.
   Keep in mind that alcohol and caffeine are diuretics, causing dehydration. To prevent this, limit consumption. Additionally, eating smaller portions, particularly those high in carbs and protein, can reduce body heat production.
   
   
3. Eat more frequently but make sure your meals are balanced and light.
   Eating large, heavy meals can be difficult to digest and create more body heat. Consuming rich foods in one sitting can also make you feel sluggish and tired in hot weather. You can find some quick and healthy recipes at BBC Good Food.
   
   
4. Do not leave a person or pet in a closed and parked vehicle.
   During hot weather conditions, it is crucial that you refrain from leaving anyone, including your furry friends, in a parked vehicle. The temperature inside a car can rise rapidly and become dangerously hot, severely threatening the health and well-being of those inside. Therefore, it is always best to err on the side of caution and ensure that everyone is safe and comfortable when traveling during hot weather, even if you are just going for a quick grocery stop.
   
   
5. Avoid dressing babies in warm clothing or wrapping them in thick blankets.
   According to Jan Montague, M.D., director of pediatrics at Good Samaritan Hospital in Suffern, NY, babies are more vulnerable to overheating. They cannot sweat like adults, which makes it difficult for their bodies to cool down. In addition, babies can become dehydrated more quickly than adults, leading to heat rash. Overheating is also linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), a fatal sleeping disorder. Bruce Epstein, M.D., a pediatrician in Pinellas Park, Florida, explains that babies who are hot may sleep deeply and be difficult to arouse, increasing the risk of SIDS. Please find more information about how to keep babies safe and comfortable in the summer heat here.
   
   
6. Keep updated on the health status and conditions of the elderly, the sick, or those needing help.
   Too much heat is unsafe for anyone, especially if you have health problems. It is important to get relief quickly when you’re overheated. Otherwise, you might start feeling sick or risk a heat-related illness that could cause serious health issues. To learn how to care for older adults in the hot weather, you can visit National Institute on Aging.
   
   
7. If you need help, ask family, friends, or neighbors to come by your house at least twice daily during hot weather.
   
   
8. Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh, clean water.
   As a pet owner, ensuring that your furry companion has access to clean and abundant water is crucial. Providing fresh water quenches their thirst and plays a significant role in maintaining their overall health and well-being.
   
   
9. If you take prescription medications that are diuretics, antihistamines, antispasmodics, or that cause changes in behavior, consult your doctor regarding the effects of the sun and heat exposure.
   
   
10. Cover windows that get morning or afternoon sun. Awnings or blinds can reduce the heat entering the home by up to 80 percent.

We would also like to share with you that the city of El Paso and the Office of Emergency Management activated its community cooling centers with accessible and completely free cooling systems at the following locations:

• Galatzan Recreation Center (700 E. 7th)
• Marty Robbins Recreation Center (11620 Vista Del Sol)
• Valle Bajo Community Center (7380 Alameda)
• Nations Tobin Sports Center (4435 Maxwell)
• Chalio Acosta Sports Center (4321 Delta)

Free cooling centers’ opening hours:

• Sunday through Monday from 11 am to 8 pm
• Tuesday through Thursday from 9 am to 9 pm
• Friday through Saturday from 9 am to 8 pm 

The community can also visit any of our City Public Libraries, which are open Saturday from 10 am to 6 pm, Tuesday through Thursday from 10 am to 7 pm, and Friday from 1 to 6 pm.

• Armijo Library (620 E. 7th)
• Clardy Fox (5515 Robert Alva)
• Esperanza Moreno (12480 Pebble Hills)
• Irving Schwartz (1865 Dean Martin)
• Jose Cisneros/Cielo Vista (1300 Hawkins)
• Judge Marquez (610 N. Yarbrough)
• Memorial Park (3200 Copper)
• Richard Burges (9600 Dyer Ste. C)
• Sergio Troncoso (9321 Alameda)
• Westside (125 Belvidere)

Residents who require after-hours/overnight assistance can dial 311 to receive information about the shelter network partners.

In El Paso, TX, the temperatures can soar up to 110 degrees, making it one of the highest recorded temperatures in the country. We invite you to keep in mind and share our recommendations with your loved ones to avoid falling sick or facing worse consequences. 

We hope these tips and information are helpful to you. 

*The information about cooling centers available in El Paso, TX., was retrieved from KFOX14 News. For more information about this heat wave, please visit Risk Factor.