The Texas Heat is Dangerous and My 2016 Experiment Proves it

(Tyler, Texas) - The temperatures are nice in East Texas right now but we know that summer is just around the corner. With that brings a heat that can best described as oppressive and disrespectful. For someone that is not from around here, that heat takes a lot of getting used to.

The heat can also be dangerous for any one of any age. Even today, go and sit in your vehicle with the door shut and no AC on during the late afternoon and feel how hot it gets in your vehicle. Imagine that feeling but on a 97° day.

See How Quickly the Heat Turns Dangerous in Our Vehicles

This information and graph comes from noheatstroke.org.

• On a 85° day, in ten minutes, the temperature can rise to 104 degrees.
• On a 95° day, in thirty minutes, the temperature can rise to 129 degrees.

You can see more from the graph below:

Not only is this dangerous for children and adults, but also our pets. So what are some ways to prevent these very preventable incidents?

• Never leave a child unattended in your vehicle.
• If you see an unattended child in a hot vehicle, call 911.
• Always lock your vehicle at home and make sure your children do not have access to your keys.
• Make it a routine to always check your vehicle when you arrive at home, work or anywhere for that matter.

The Dangerous Heat We Experienced in 2011 in East Texas

If you recall back in 2011, East Texas was under a massive heat wave. Somewhere in the neighborhood of two consecutive months, temperatures were above 100 degrees. In 2016, as an experiment, I placed cookies in my car, with a thermometer, to demonstrate the heat build up throughout the day.

Watch out for your kiddos and your pets. If you know someone that may not have adequate cooling in their home, be sure to check on them as well.

If you work outside, hydration is extremely important. Drink water before you go out, drink water while you're out and drink water when you're done. Also, take as many breaks as possible to cool down.

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