Stay cool during extreme summer heat
Posted/updated on: June 2, 2026 at 9:41 pm
TYLER — As summer temperatures reach a high in East Texas, it’s important to stay safe and keep yourself protected in extreme heat. Our news partner KETK has put together a guide to staying safe and cool in these hot temperatures. Extreme heat is defined as a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days, according to Ready, a U.S. government campaign designed to educate the American people. Children, those older than 65, and people who are sick or overweight, are at a greater risk of heat-related illness. Humidity helps to increase the feeling of heat, experts say.
UT Health Sports Medicine physician, Dr. Robert French, said to prevent heat cramps, “Hydrate in the morning, hydrate during activity, hydrate after activity. Having that pre-hydration part down before you start practice is the more important thing.” Dr. French said.
KETK’S News Tips for Staying Cool:
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated, but stay away from very sugary drinks.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat if possible.
• Wear sunscreen, sunburn affects the body’s ability to cool down and can make you dehydrated.
• Watch for heat-related illnesses.
• Consider pet safety. For pets outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to shade.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Do not leave children or pets in cars.
• Stay up to date on heat advisories from local weather sources.
• Pace yourself. If you’re not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually.
• Cover windows with drapes of shades.
• Use weather strips on doors and windows.
• Use window reflectors to reflect heat back outside.
• Add insulation in your home to keep the heat out.
• Identify cool places to go in the community such as libraries and shopping malls or contact the local health department to find a cooling center near you.
Heat Stroke:
What to look for:
• High body temperature
• Hot, red, dry or damp skin
• Fast, strong pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Losing consciousness
What to do:
• Call 911 right away
• Do not give the person anything to drink
• Move the person to a cooler place
• Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
Heat Exhaustion
What to look for:
• Heavy sweating
• Cold, pale and clammy skin
• Fast, weak pulse
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness or weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Fainting
What to do:
• Move to a cool place
• Loosen clothes
• Put cool, wet cloths on body or take a cool bath
• Sip water
• Get help immediately if you are throwing up, if symptoms get worse or last longer than an hour.
• Heavy sweating during intense exercise
• Muscle pain or spasms
What to do:
• Stop physical activity and move to a cool place
• Drink water or a sports drink
• Wait for cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity
Get help immediately if cramps last longer than one hour, if you’re on a low-sodium diet or if you have heart problems.
