From Matagorda County Office of Emergency Management
With excessive heat warnings possible, it is important for everyone in Matagorda County to:
-Limit any time outdoors, especially during the afternoon
-Check your backseat for any pets or children
-Check in with your neighbors, especially the elderly
-Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated
-Wear sunscreen and light clothing
Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year.
Heat can be very taxing on the body.
Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and death, as their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than are adults.
Older adults, particularly those with preexisting diseases, take certain medications, are living alone or with limited mobility who are exposed to extreme heat can experience multiple adverse effects.
Pregnant women are also at higher risk.
It is NEVER safe to leave a child, disabled person or pet locked in a car, even in the winter. If you have a toddler in your household, lock your cars, even in your own driveway. Kids play in cars or wander outside and get into a car and can die in 10 minutes!
Pet safety during periods of elevated temperatures, Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are very serious conditions and could quickly result in death. Be aware of the signs of heat stress: heavy panting, glazed eyes, rapid pulse, unsteadiness, a staggering gait, vomiting, or a deep red or purple tongue.
If your pet does become overheated, you need to immediately lower their body temperature.
Move your pet into the shade and apply cool (not cold) water over their entire body to gradually lower the core body temperature.
Apply cold towels or ice packs to your pet’s head, neck, and chest only. Let your pet drink small amounts of water or lick ice cubes. Most importantly, get them to a veterinarian immediately.
It is important to know that if you or anyone you know might need some assistance during times of an emergency event, the state of Texas presents the STEAR program.
The STEAR program is a free registry that provides local emergency planners and emergency responders with additional information on the needs in their community. Texas communities use the registry information in different ways. Available services will vary by community or situation.
https://stear.tdem.texas.gov/Form.aspx
If you have any questions, please contact the Matagorda County Office of Emergency Management at 979-323-0707 or you can always email any disaster related question to disaster@co.matagorda.tx.us
The goal of the Matagorda County Emergency Management Office is the health and safety of each citizen and visitor to Matagorda County.