June 24, 2024
Dear John xxxxxx,

This is your Congresswoman and neighbor Sylvia Garcia. I am reaching out because starting this weekend and going into next week we expect to feel high temperatures in our area due to a heat wave affecting many across our nation.

As Texans, we're no strangers to sizzling summers, but it's always a good idea to be prepared and stay safe as temperatures begin to rise. I wanted to share some resources on how to make sure you and your loved ones can stay cool and safe over this period.

Some measures you can take to keep safe in extreme heat include:

• Drinking lots of liquids throughout the day and hydrate prior to any physical activity
• Taking frequent breaks from the sun
• Wearing loose and light-colored clothing
• Wearing sunscreen
• Using a portable, rechargeable handheld fan
• Wearing a hat

Heat-illness symptoms to watch for:

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. The City of Houston activates their heat emergency plan when the heat index, a calculation of air temperature and humidity, reaches 108 on two consecutive days. 

In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. To prepare for extreme heat, familiarize yourself with the signs of heat illness.If you think a person may be experiencing heat symptoms, seek immediate medical attention and call 911 if necessary. 

If you are a person with a pre-existing condition, like diabetes, over the age of 65, someone with infants/young children, or pregnant, make sure to be extra vigilant for symptoms of heat-related illnesses. 

For more information about heat-related illness risk factors, click here.

If you need to shelter to escape the heat you can:

• Call 311 to learn about what services are available in Houston.
• Follow advisories from Harris County at Ready Harris
• Find the closest City of Houston or Harris County public library or multi-service center near you, these can be great places to enjoy cool air. Click here to find a location near you!

The best way to keep your family safe during an extreme-heat weather event is to stay informed and to take the necessary precautions.

The extreme heat we will be experiencing over the following week across the country is a reminder of why I am fighting in Congress to ensure that federal, state, local, and tribal governments are better prepared to respond to such weather events. Know that I am fighting to make sure we are prepared to help keep you and your loved ones, and Americans across the country safe from the growing threats of extreme heat. Let's look out for our family, friends, and neighbors and make the most of our summer while staying safe.

Sincerely,

Sylvia R. Garcia
Member of Congress

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