AUSTIN, Texas — Summer in Texas is settling in and so are triple-digit temperatures.
The record-breaking heat has left Texans sweltering. And with the high temperatures expected to linger, Austin-Travis County EMS (ATCEMS) officials warn to take precautions seriously.
"We ran 18 heat-related incidents for this week, and we fully expect that number will go up," ATCEMS Public Information Officer Darren Noak said.
When it comes to heat-related illnesses, Noak said some symptoms to look out for include profusely sweating, dizziness and vomiting.
Noak said he understands there are new residents to the area who may not be accustomed to the summers in the Lone Star State. But he advises everyone to stay hydrated, wear light clothing and avoid caffeine and alcohol.
"It's not always that drinking water the day of. It's really that drinking water the day before, drinking water the night before. Just already being hydrated and continuing that hydration throughout the day," Noak said.
Noak also stressed to never leave children or pets in the car.
Local groups like Family Eldercare are doing their part to help people beat the heat.
Through the organization's Summer Fan Drive – which is celebrating its 33rd year – 7,000 to 8,000 fans are delivered to residents across Central Texas from May 1 to Sept. 15, with an ultimate goal of 10,000 fans distributed.
Virginia Larson is the development and team lead for Family Eldercare and said the organization learned 51% of the people who receive fans don't have a working air conditioner and that more than 50% are 55 years and older.
"The summer fan drive not only serves older adult population, but we also serve families with children because children are also really susceptible to the heat. They have a harder time recovering from any type of heat exhaustion," Larson said.
CEO Aaron Alarcon echoed Larson's statement and said the organization offers tips on what to do when the blistering heat through its website and on social media.
"We also feel our responsibility not only to help our community with heat relief, but also we take it as an opportunity to connect them with other services that are going to help them become self-sufficient," Alarcon said.
To help people get out of the heat, the City of Austin allows libraries and recreation centers across the city to be used as cooling centers during business hours. Service animals are welcome.