TYLER, Texas — Temperatures climbed into the upper 90s again Monday. The heat index at times this afternoon entered into the dangerous category of 105 to 110. The heat will ease this evening and during the overnight hours but it still be a very warm and muggy night. Tonight's low is expected to drop between 73 and 77-degrees. The dome of high pressure creating this heat will continue its grip on much of Texas again Tuesday. With heat forecast to remain in place this week, here's a list of things to keep in mind.
The rising temperatures have caused the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) to issue a Conservation Alert asking Texans to "safely reduce their electric use."
RESIDENTIAL CONSUMERS
- Set your thermostat to 78° or higher – every degree of cooling increases your energy use by six to eight percent.
- Turn off and unplug non-essential lights and appliances.
- Avoid using large appliances like ovens and washing machines.
- Close drapes and blinds.
BUSINESSES
- Minimize electric lighting and the use of electric equipment.
LARGE CONSUMERS
- Consider shutting down or reducing non-essential production processes.
WHY ASK FOR CONSERVATION?
According to ERCOT, on days when available generation supply and energy demand get very close, they can issue a conservation alert to help decrease electric demand while working with generation owners to increase the power supply.
"Simple actions such as turning off lights and appliances can help the grid," ERCOT says. "This is one way to help balance supply and demand on the electric system."
CRITICAL MEDICAL NEEDS REMINDER
If you have critical medical needs, contact your local electric utility and have a backup plan in case controlled outages are needed later.
HEAT EXHAUSTION VS. HEAT STROKE
When facing extreme heat for a long period of time, your body starts to find a way to cool itself down. Heat exhaustion comes first but if you cannot get to a cooler area, it can turn into a heat stroke.
Once it has reached the point of a heat stroke, call 911 immediately and make sure to move into a cooler place until an ambulance arrives. When EMS arrives, they will do everything in their power to get your body temperature back to a normal and stable level.
- High body temperature (103 degrees or higher)
- Hot, red, dry or damp skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Losing consciousness
- Heavy sweating
- Cold, pale and clammy skin
- Fast, weak pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Muscle cramps
- Tiredness or weakness
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Fainting
- Heavy sweating during intense exercise
- Muscle pain or spasms
