The Department of Public Health Reminds you to Be Climate Ready. Always stay informed, prepared and have a plan. Here are some tips on how you can prepare!
Extreme Heat
We remind our community to be mindful of extreme heat during the summer. Stay cool, stay hydrated and always stay informed!
Stay Cool: Find places in your community where you can go to get cool. The City Of El Paso offers cooling centers during extreme heat warning. Call 2-1-1 for more information to find the nearest cooling center to you. Here are some tips on how to keep your home cool during periods of extreme heat:
- Cover your windows with drapes or shades
- Add insulation to keep the heat out
- Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
- Weather-strip doors and windows
- Use window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to reflect heat back outside.
Those who are in need of a fan can dial 2-1-1 to check for eligibility criteria and receive details on how to receive a free fan.
If you plan on being outside, be prepared. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face and find shade. Wear loose, lightweight, and light colored clothing. Remember to always use a minimum of SPF 15 and to apply at least 20 minutes before sun exposure. Remember to apply to ears, scalp, lips, neck, tops of feet, and the back of hands . If you perspire heavily or will be in water, remember to reapply at least every 2 hours.
Avoid strenuous activities. They increase the chance of dehydration which can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion or a heat stroke.
Stay Hydrated: Drink on plenty of fluids.
Stay Informed: Keep updated through the local news for any weather updates. Know if your area will be affected due to the extreme weather and look out for information on planned power outages. Have a plan in place in case of emergencies. Check yourself, your family members, and your neighbors.
Never leave people or pets in a closed car. Never leave children in a car, even for a minute. Children’s temperature can rise 3-5 degrees higher than an adult. Cars can get dangerously hot fast. Have a plan for your family and pets before needing to leave your home. Plan to leave them with someone or take them down with you.
Do NOT leave your pet inside a Car!
Leaving pets locked in cars is never safe. But when the weather gets warmer, it can be deadly. High temperatures can cause irreparable organ damage and even death. Protecting animals from an unnecessary death is a problem we can all agree to prevent.
Cool outside doesn't mean cool in the car!
- When it's 72 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the temperature inside your car can heat up to 116 degrees Fahrenheit within an hour.
- When it's 80 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the temperature inside your car can heat up to 99 degrees Fahrenheit within 10 minutes.
- Rolling down the windows has been shown to have little effect on the temperature inside a car.
What to do when you see an animal in a hot vehicle:
- Call 3-1-1 to report.
- Report the location, vehicle description, and license plate number.
- Stay or have somebody stay and keep an eye on the animal until help arrives.
For more information call 3-1-1 or 2-1-1 for a list of available services.
Free Cooling Stations
The City of El Paso is offering FREE cooling stations. The cooling stations are open on the following schedules:
Monday - Thursday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sunday from noon - 7 p.m.
Cooling stations are available at:
- Galatzan Rec Center, 650 Wallenberg Dr. (Districts 1 and 8)
- Memorial Park Senior Center, 1800 Byron St. (District 2)
- Veterans Rec Center, 5301 Salem Dr. (District 4)
- Chamizal Rec Center, 2101 Cypress Ave. (District 8)
- Gary Del Palacio Rec Center, 3001 Parkwood St. (District 3 and 7)
- Valle Bajo Community Center, 7380 Alameda Ave. (District 3 and 7)
- Marty Robbins Rec Center, 11620 Vista del Sol Dr. (Districts 5, 6 and 7)
Don't Get Stung By The Sun
UV Radiation from the sun can be dangerous. It can cause premature aging and skin cancer. We are exposed to the sun when it penetrates clouds and gas and bounced off snow, water and sand. Sun damage accumulates over the years, from prolonged outdoor exposure to simple activities like walking the dog, going from your car to the store, and outdoor gardening.
Tips to keep you and your family safe from the UV radiation:
- Seek the shade, especially between 10AM and 4PM.
- Don’t get sunburned.
- Use a broad-spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Avoid tanning, and never use UV tanning beds.
- Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or excessive sweating.
- Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
Sunscreen Dispensers
The City of El Paso averages 297 days of sunshine each year. Affectionately known as the “Sun City”, it is home to more than 250 parks and 3,000 acres of open space. While El Pasoans appreciate many days of joyous sunshine, those UV rays can be harmful to the unprotected. Nearly 90% of all melanomas are thought to be caused by exposure o UV light and sunlight.
The Sun Smart campaign - partnership with the Rio Grande Cancer foundation and the City of El Paso is aimed to provide sunscreen dispensers for our most vulnerable population – our children.
Look for the bright yellow dispensers in city spray parks and public gathering places sponsored by El Paso LIVE. Dispensers are also along the Playa Drain Trail, a city-wide trail beginning at Ascarate Park.
The Foundation is pleased to provide ‘loaners’ for your sun-filled events. Please send your request for dispensers via email to [email protected]. Email your contact information, date of your event, anticipated numbers and the location.