Heat Injury Prevention

Summers in San Antonio are very hot. To protect yourself from the heat, we recommend that all members of the UTSA community take the following precautions:

• Limit strenuous outdoor activities. Plan strenuous activities for early or late in the day when temperatures are cooler.
• Drink plenty of water. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Take frequent breaks out of the sun.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Check on pets, relatives and neighbors.
• Never leave young children or pets unattended in vehicles.

Recognizing Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke 

If you feel dizzy, thirsty, nauseous or weak or are heavily sweating, you may have heat exhaustion. Act fast. Move to a cooler area, loosen your clothing, sip cool water and seek medical help if your symptoms don’t improve.

If you notice that someone is confused, dizzy or loses consciousness, they may be suffering from heat stroke. Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler area, loosen clothing and remove any extra layers, and cool them with water or ice. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given. Acting quickly is extremely important.

Resources

If you are experiencing an emergency on campus, call the UTSA Police Department’s emergency line at 210-458-4911. If you are off campus, call 911.  

To learn more about heat-related illnesses and how to prevent them, visit the City of San Antonio’s Beat the Heat website.