TYLER, Texas — The city of Tyler and Smith County have released their 2024 heat response plan to guide the public on how to safe and cool in the heat of the summer.
According to the plan, hydration and access to air conditioning are some of the best ways that people can protect themselves from the impacts of a heat wave. The plan, which can be found here, offers precautions and places like shelters to protect themselves from the East Texas heat.
Notable signs of heat exhaustion include: heavy sweating, weakness and fatigue, cold, pale, moist and clammy skin, rapid and weak pulse, headaches, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision or fainting, muscle cramps, nausea and vomiting, rapid and shallow breathing, mood changes like irritability or confusion.
Signs of a heat stroke include: body temperature greater than 103°F, sweating stops and skin is hot, red, and dry, rapid and strong pulse, change in mental status (confused, passed out, slurred speech, inappropriate words), nausea, dizziness, throbbing headache and unconsciousness.
Overnight locations for people to stay are available at:
- Salvation Army - 24-hour shelter for homeless or near homeless with a capacity of 200. (903) 592-4361. In case of a declared emergency, additional space for 250 is available in the disaster shelter
- American Red Cross - Open on demand. Depends on the declared emergency. (903) 581-7981 or 1-866-505-4801
- Hiway 80 Rescue Mission - 601 Valentine St. in Tyler. (903)-617-6097
Places for people to use during the day include:
- Salvation Army (633 N. Broadway Ave.) - Open 24 hours, seven days a week, (903) 592-4361
- Local Fire Stations
- Broadway Square Mall and other retail outlets (on the city bus route)
- Movie Theaters
- Churches - Check with individual churches regarding activities or capability to accommodate the public
- PATH (402 W. Front St. in Tyler) - Open Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. as a water and cooling station.
- Tyler Fire Department Various locations. Call 903-535-0005 or 911
- Glass Recreation Center (501 W. 32nd St. in Tyler) - Open Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Sunday. Open to the public during posted hours with an estimated capacity of 500 individuals. Call to ask about the actual remaining available capacity. Activities can be scheduled by calling (903) 595-7271.
- Tyler Public Library (201 S. College Ave.) - Open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 1 to 5 p.m. Open to the public during posted hours with an estimated capacity of 120 people. Activities can be scheduled through the library for Taylor Auditorium (capacity of 100) by calling (903) 593-7323.
- Senior Citizen Activity Center (1915 Garden Valley Road in Tyler) - Call (903) 597-0781 for additional information about services, Open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with an estimated capacity of 125
- Rose Garden (420 Rose Park Drive) - Call (903) 531-1349, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday with an estimated capacity of 200
- Smith County Office of Emergency Management - Call (903) 590-2649
- Smith County ESD 1 - Call (903) 882-3443
- Smith County ESD 2 - Call (903) 617-6578
- Smith County Sheriff’s Office - Call non-emergency (903)566-6600 or call 911
Bottled water might be available at the Salvation Army in Tyler or PATH.