Health

Man, woman die of heat-related illnesses in Dallas County, health department says

Dallas County Medical Examiner confirms two heat-related deaths for a total of 5

A man and a woman in their 50s died this summer due to heat illness in Dallas County, according to the Dallas County Health and Human Services Department.

The two deaths bring the total number of heat-related deaths in the county since May to five.

The identities of the two individuals have not been released yet, and it is not known if they had underlying health conditions or when they died.

Two previous heat-related deaths were reported in Denton and Hood counties back in August.

The Dallas County Health and Human Services Department urges people to be safe and to follow the necessary procedures to endure this heat.

HEAT SAFETY TIPS

With heat like this, you'll want to take precautions and be prepared.

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors to ensure they stay cool.

Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles. According to the National Safety Council, if it's 95 degrees outside a car's internal temperature could climb to 129 degrees in 30 minutes. After just 10 minutes, temperatures inside could reach 114 degrees.

A child's body temperature heats up three to five times faster than an adult's, and heatstroke can begin when a person's core body temperature reaches 104 degrees. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, a core temperature of 107 degrees is lethal.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments to reduce risk during outdoor work. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heatstroke is an emergency! Call 911. The CDC has more information on heat-related illnesses.

Take care of your pets by providing fresh, cool water and shade. Also, pets should not be left outside and unattended for too long. It's too hot and they need to be brought inside.

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