brought to you by the Houston Apartment Association.
Summer Heat Safety Tips
This summer is likely to be another scorcher for Southeast Texas! With the summer sun comes a greater chance for heat related injuries. Check out these resources to help keep your cool!
The Texas Apartment Association’s Neighbors CARE program has tips for avoiding Heat Stress including:
Check on your neighbors daily - especially the elderly, who may be more susceptible to heat stress, and those on fixed incomes who may be concerned about expensive utility bills.
Always take precautions to prevent heat stress. Remember, everyone is susceptible to the effects of heat stress.
Report any concerns you have about the health and safety of your neighbors to the proper authorities. Report any problems with air conditioning equipment promptly to management.
Educate yourself, your friends and neighbors about the signs of heat stress and steps to prevent it.
TAA also states:
“Utility companies around the state will work with customers on deferred billing arrangements and payment plans, and some have already started to promote deferred payment options for low-income or elderly customers. Public Utility Commission (PUC) rules prohibit electric companies from disconnecting electrical service during extreme weather. Disconnections also are prohibited in many cases when ill or disabled residents are involved or if the resident receives emergency assistance to pay utility bills.”
TAA members can also download forms and fliers to distribute to residents through Neighbors CARE’s online portal.
If your air conditioning is not working, be sure to notify your management. Many lease contracts require that you make repair requests in writing.
If you have an issue with your management company, check out the Houston Apartment Association’s Resident Relations Department for answers to frequently asked questions and online complaint submission forms.
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Heat safety information. Temperatures are rising, and the Houston Fire Department recommends that this summer you keep cool, stay hydrated and know the signs of heat stroke. Know the signs of heats stroke Q. What is the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke? A. Heat exhaustion is your body reacting to the excessive loss of water and salt contained in your sweat. Heat exhaustion is usually associated with heave activity or exertion. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include:
If left untreated, heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. Heat Stroke occurs when the body’s temperature raises rapidly and is unable to cool down due to the failure of the sweating system. Body temperature may rise to 106 or higher within 10 minutes which can cause permanent disability like brain damage, organ failure or even death if emergency treatment is not provided. Heat stroke symptoms include:
The elderly, children up to four years of age, those who are over-weight or suffering from repiratory or heart condition are particularly vulnerable to suffer from heat stroke and heat exhaustion. More you can do to avoid heat related illnesses
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