This browser does not support the Video element.
All Austin departments prepared to respond to record-heat
The City of Austin has all departments prepared to respond to this record heat.
AUSTIN, Texas - Mayor Kirk Watson led a press conference to discuss the current efforts Austin departments are doing to keep people safe in this dangerous heat.
"It's Texas, so we always expect some heat, but when we have these sorts of conditions. We want to make sure that we're available to the public and able to help with that," said Mayor Watson.
Last week, Austin registered its highest heat index at 118 degrees, breaking a record.
"We expect heat and humidity to continue into the triple digits throughout this week. Austinites and visitors should expect 100-degree days for the foreseeable," said Ken Snipes, Director with Austin Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Snipes said they're focusing on Austin's most vulnerable in this heat, and that is the homeless.
This browser does not support the Video element.
Austin city leaders provide update on dangerous heat
As the triple-digit heat continues, the City of Austin wants to make sure everyone is taking precautions to stay safe.
"We visited eight homeless encampments and distributed over 720 bottles of water," he said.
He adds the city has teamed up with several organizations to keep this up on a daily basis.
Austin-Travis County EMS continues to stay busy. ATCEMS has seen an uptick in heat-related calls since April.
"As we see the temperature rise, we do see the heat related incidents go up. Since April 1st, we've responded to 215 incidents that were triaged as heat related, 142 of those incidents were in June and a staggering 118 occurred in the last two weeks," said Wes Hopkins, Assistant Chief with ATCEMS.
RELATED COVERAGE:
- ERCOT issues another weather watch as temperatures skyrocket
- Cooling centers open in Pflugerville for the summer
- Austin first responders see increase in heat-related calls
Hopkins advised people to limit outdoor activity to the early morning or late evening. Also, he said drink at least 16 ounces of water every hour when outside to avoid any heat-related illness.
Austin Public Health revealed those who experience heat-related illnesses recently have been men working outside.
"Almost 50% are between the age of 20 and 39 years of age, and it's most likely because, and it's mostly males, but it's most likely affecting those workers that might be out there or folks who are continuing to exercise or go out to the lake and whatnot," said Janet Pichette, Chief Epidemiologist with Austin Public Health.
Austin Energy said they are constantly in contact with ERCOT. They also send updates to their customers daily.