For residents of San Antonio, the current heat wave is not much of a surprise. After all, this is something the area has gone through in the past. Does experience make this any easier? Definitely not.
Over the past few days, San Antonio, as well as many other areas in the state of Texas, has been going through a heat wave with temperatures topping 100 degrees. Last Thursday, thermometers hit 103 degrees, which was a new high (one degree higher than the previous record for August 1). In the week to come, there is not much relief on the way. Instead, highs are expected to reach the upper 90s and low 100s.
With this in mind, Metro Health has issued a Level III heat warning. This is meant to let people know that sunstroke, exhaustion and heat cramps are a very real possibility after spending too much time outdoors. Local officials are concerned with the heat wave. In the month of July, the San Antonio Fire Department responded to 74 heat-related calls. With temperatures in August shaping up to be even higher, this number is likely to rise.
Residents looking to cool down have several options.
Project Cool, a partnership between the Fire Department and local organization, provides box fans to those in need, such as the elderly. Christian Bove, a spokesman for the fire department, added the following in an interview with MySanAntonio.com:
“A lot of people take for granted that we have air conditioning, and unfortunately there’s certain instances where a family may not have central AC or if they do have it, they just can’t afford to pay their utilities.”
During this time of the year, it is important for San Antonio residents to monitor temperatures and do whatever it takes to stay cool. Rely on your air conditioner both at home and at work. This will allow you to stay cool even when outside temperatures are reaching record highs.
