Houston to open cooling centers amid heat advisory | Texas

Houston, TX – The city of Houston will open 63 cooling centers this weekend to help residents escape the heat, officials said.

The centres will be open on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30. Those participating in the Pride parade or other outdoor activities are advised to bring water, fans, cooling towels and umbrellas, and to be aware of their surroundings to avoid heat-related issues.

Houston libraries will serve as cooling centers during regular business hours Saturday, with the exception of the downtown Central Library, which is closed due to street closures. Some community centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, with the Moody Community Center at 3725 Fulton and the Metropolitan Multiservice Center at 1475 W. St. Open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

On Sundays, the following locations will be open from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.:
– Acres Homes Multi-Service Center, 6719 W. Montgomery Rd.
– Sunnyside Multi-Service Center, 4410 Reed Road.
-Kashmere Multi-Service Center, 4802 Lockwood Dr.
– Moody Community Center, 3725 Fulton St. (2 p.m. – 6 p.m.)
– Metropolitan Multi-Service Center, 1475 W. Gray St. (2 p.m. – 6 p.m.)

Additionally, the YMCA of Greater Houston will open its facilities both days for those needing relief from the heat.

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Saturday, with heat index values ​​expected to reach triple digits on Sunday. The City of Houston activates its public health emergency plan for excessive heat forecasted for two or more consecutive days.

Residents without adequate transportation to a cooling center can call 3-1-1 to request a free ride, although transportation is limited to and from the centers only.

During Houston’s summer months, officials recommend drinking plenty of water, avoiding beverages with caffeine, alcohol or high amounts of sugar, and conducting outdoor activities during cooler parts of the day. It’s also advisable to wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

Residents are reminded not to leave infants, children, elderly people or pets unattended in parked vehicles, even with open windows. Wearing wide-brimmed hats and applying sunscreen can help prevent sunburn and heat-related illness.

For those who do not have air conditioning at home, seeking accommodation in air-conditioned facilities such as relatives’ houses, multi-service centers, shopping malls, cinemas and libraries is recommended. Taking cool baths or frequent showers can also help.

Statistical analysis of the past two summers indicates that some community members begin to experience heat-related illnesses requiring emergency room visits when the daily maximum heat index drops below 80 degrees. Vulnerable populations, including the young, the elderly, and those with pre-existing health conditions, should be especially cautious.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include weakness, dizziness, excessive sweating, cold or clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, and a rapid, weak pulse. People with these symptoms should seek a cooler place, drink water, take a cool shower or bath, and rest.

Signs of heat stroke include a throbbing headache, red, hot, dry skin, extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees), nausea or vomiting, confusion, loss of consciousness, and pulse rapid and strong. If these symptoms occur, call 9-1-1 immediately and try to lower the person’s body temperature until help arrives.

For more information or to find the nearest cooling center, residents can call 3-1-1.