Triple-digit temperatures are expected to continue well into next week. On Wednesday, City of Austin and Travis County officials held a press conference to provide the community with updates on efforts being taken to keep residents safe from the heat.
“We have a collaborative process of preparing for this type of weather emergency and want to ensure that information is provided to the residents on a regular basis to assist them in staying safe,” City of Austin Mayor Kirk Watson said. “We will make sure information is regularly provided to the public that outlines how to stay safe, what is happening with the weather, and how the city is using its resources to help people who need assistance.”
Throughout the summer, many of the city’s recreation centers and Austin Public Library facilities will serve as cooling centers during normal operating hours. Several locations offer extended hours during periods of excessive heat. Service animals are permitted in City facilities.
Austin Energy officials said crews will remain on standby 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to respond immediately to outages.
COOLING CENTERS
- City of Austin facilities (including Rec Centers & Libraries) are available as cooling centers during normal business operations – many facilities are open until 8 pm.
- These cooling centers serve as a reprieve from the heat, allowing people and their service animals to cool off during the hottest times of the day.
- Visit gov/alerts for the most up-to-date cooling center information in 13 languages.
HEAT SAFETY TIPS
- Stay hydrated. Remember to drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty.
- Protect yourself:
- Wear loose-fitting clothing,
- Apply and re-apply sunscreen according to product labels,
- Take shade breaks, especially if you work outside.
- Practice water safety while cooling off in pools and open water.
- Look Before You Lock:
- Heat stroke is the leading cause of non-collision vehicle-related deaths in children.
- Always check the back seats of your vehicle for children, pets, and adults before leaving and locking your parked vehicle.
- Keep your pets safe too
- Keep your four-legged family members inside whenever possible.
- Pack a collapsible water bowl for hydration breaks.
To view the current list of cooling centers, locations, and hours of operation, visit austintexas.gov/alerts.
The city operates 43 pools and splash pads which are fully staffed and open as a cooling alternative. A complete list of pools and splash pads is available here.
Visit ReadyCentralTexas.org for heat safety tips and how to spot/treat heat-related illnesses and to sign up for alerts from Warn Central Texas.
