North Texas summers bring prolonged periods of extreme heat. According to the National Weather Service, extreme heat kills more people annually than any other weather event — more than hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes combined. When temperatures climb into the upper 90s and 100s, it’s critical to prioritize the protection of people, pets, home systems and plants. Here are key steps for each:
Protect People
☀ Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water before you feel thirsty. The American Red Cross recommends about 3/4th of a gallon per day for an average person. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic beverages, which can contribute to dehydration. Replace salt and minerals lost through sweat with snacks or sports drinks.
☀ Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Add a wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses when outdoors. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) and reapply every two hours. Cover skin near lakes because water reflects sunlight.
☀ Limit outdoor activity: Schedule outdoor work or exercise for early morning or late evening. Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas. The CDC advises that electric fans alone won’t prevent heat-related illness when temps exceed the high 90s.
☀ Know the warning signs of heat illness:
• Heat Cramps: Heavy sweating, muscle pain/spasms.
◦ Go to a cool place, drink water. Seek help if it lasts more than 1 hour.
• Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, cold/clammy skin, fast weak pulse, nausea, and dizziness.
◦ Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths, sip water. Seek help if vomiting occurs or symptoms worsen.
• Heat Stroke (MEDICAL EMERGENCY — Call 911): Body temperature 104°F+, hot red skin (dry or damp), fast strong pulse, confusion, and loss of consciousness.
◦ Move to a cool place, cool the body with wet cloths or a cool bath. Do NOT give fluids.
☀ Check on vulnerable individuals: Elderly neighbors, young children, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, and those without air conditioning are at highest risk. Check on them regularly during extreme heat events. Ensure they have clean drinking water.
☀ Know where to go: Identify local cooling centers, public libraries, shopping malls, or community centers in advance in case of air conditioner failure or power outage.
Protect Pets
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Provide ample fresh water: Pets dehydrate quickly in high heat. Keep multiple water bowls filled with cool, clean water and check them frequently. Add ice cubes on especially hot days.
☀ Never leave pets in a parked vehicle: According to the ASPCA, the temperature inside a parked car can reach 120°F in minutes — even with windows cracked. This can cause fatal heat stroke and is illegal in several states. Texas animal cruelty laws apply if pets are endangered.
☀ Limit outdoor time and avoid hot pavement: Walk pets in the early morning or late evening when pavement is cool. If the pavement is too hot for the back of your hand for 7 seconds, it’s too hot for your pet’s paws. Air at 95°F can heat asphalt to 150°F. Dog paws can burn at 125°F.
☀ Know the signs of overheating: Excessive panting, difficulty breathing, drooling, increased heart rate, weakness, or collapse are warning signs. Flat-faced breeds (Pugs, Persian cats), elderly pets, and overweight animals are especially vulnerable.
☀ Provide shade and cooling options: If pets must be outside, ensure access to full shade and consider a kiddie pool, cooling mat, or damp towels for them to lie on. Bring pets indoors during the hottest hours.
Protect Home Systems
☀ Service your AC before peak season: Have a certified professional inspect, clean and tune up your air conditioning unit. Replace or clean filters monthly during heavy-use periods — a dirty filter restricts airflow and strains the system. Ensure condensation line is clear and drains.
☀ Set your thermostat wisely: The U.S. Department of Energy recommends 78°F when you’re home and awake. Raise it 4 to 7 degrees while away to help the electrical grid and lower your bill.
☀ Block out the sun: Close blinds, curtains, or shades during the day — especially on south- and west-facing windows. Blackout curtains or reflective window film can significantly reduce indoor heat gain.
☀ Use fans strategically: Ceiling fans cool people (not rooms) through the wind-chill effect. Turn fans off when not in a room. Run fans counterclockwise to push cool air downward.
☀ Seal air leaks: Check weatherstripping around doors and windows. Air leaks through cracks and openings can account for up to 30% of a cooling system’s energy consumption. Use an infrared thermometer.
☀ Avoid adding indoor heat: Run ovens, stoves, dryers, and dishwashers in the early morning or late evening. Use a microwave or grill outdoors when possible and when an air conditioner is used.
Protect Plants
☀ Water deeply and in the morning: Water at 5 to 9 a.m. to minimize evaporation and allow plants to hydrate before peak heat. Direct water at the soil to prevent scorching and waste. Drip lines are ideal.
☀ Apply mulch: Spread 2 to 4 inches of mulch around the base of plants to retain soil moisture, regulate root temperature, and reduce evaporation. Keep mulch away from stems to prevent rot.
☀ Provide temporary shade: Use shade cloth, row covers, or patio umbrellas to shield plants during the hot part of the day (2 to 6 p.m.).
☀ Move container plants: Relocate potted plants to shaded areas or bring them indoors during extreme heat events. Containers heat up faster than in-ground soil.
☀ Delay fertilizing and pruning: Fertilizer encourages new growth that is vulnerable to heat stress. Pruning exposes previously shaded leaves to direct sun. Save these tasks for cooler periods.
Take these proactive steps to help minimize the risks created during extreme summer heat and protect your loved ones, pets and property. Stay cool and stay safe!
I’ve Got Your Six!
Mark M. Hancock, GRI, MRP, AHWD
REALTOR, New Build certified
KW North Country
214-862-7212
dfwmark@KW.com
DFWmark.com
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