Heat Index Soars: People Take Precautions
By
KGNS News
Story Created:
Sep 5, 2012 at 5:47 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Sep 6, 2012
People living in Laredo are facing the hottest temperatures this week.
And with Mother Nature turning up the heat Laredoans are looking for ways to stay cool.
The Farias family says this box fan has become their best friend.
Despite fall being just days away, the heat index in Laredo has been at or around 106 degrees everyday in this first week of September.
“It’s horrible. Laredo is getting hotter by the year.”
With the central air conditioning unit broken and not enough money to fix it the family turned to a window unit that quickly gave out too.
Leaving them to rely on the donated box fan.
“Sweating all the time. Sometimes we go to the mall to chill in air conditioning.”
Potentially dangerous temperatures have health and school officials paying close attention too.
Students aren't spending as much time outside but when they do, they're prepared.
“We’re looking at heat of the day. Take out buckets of water and towels and get plenty of breaks.”
“Coaches say the real winner is the one that takes a break every once and a while.”
“Always have water. No matter the age. Its important to always hydrate.”
Feeling thirsty means your body is already dehydrated.
So drinking lots of water whether you’re thirsty or not, staying in the shade and wearing cool clothing when outside, or just staying indoors whenever possible is the best advice until summer in Laredo is officially over.
“If they do those things they’ll be ok.”
For anyone who only has a box fan inside their home, health officials suggest that a door or window always be kept open to allow proper ventilation inside the house.
Always keep an eye on young children and elderly, who are more easily overcome by the heat.
