HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — While Hurricane Beryl has passed through the Greater Houston area, health experts warn of ongoing risks as 1.5 million CenterPoint Energy customers remain without power as of Tuesday evening.
Temperatures quickly soared back into the 90s on Monday afternoon following the departure of the Category 1 storm, leaving residents without air conditioning vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
Dr. Kevin Lanza, an environmental health science professor at UT Health Houston School of Public Health, emphasized that extreme heat poses the highest risk of fatalities among all weather-related hazards in the U.S.
“It’s a silent threat if people underestimate it,” Lanza cautioned.
Less than 24 hours after losing power, Brianna Guerrero and her family found the extreme heat unbearable at their home in the Spring/Woodlands area. They sought relief at Discovery Green in downtown Houston.
“Our area is completely cut off. We have no cell service, so we couldn’t receive calls or texts. We drove through complete darkness until reaching downtown Houston. Now, we’re here trying to charge our devices, waiting for updates from CenterPoint,” Guerrero explained. “We’re hoping our power returns soon because enduring another day like this is difficult.”
For those unable to leave their homes or access cooling centers, Lanza advised several measures to stay cool until power is restored.
He stressed the importance of staying hydrated with water, avoiding drinks like coffee, alcohol, and energy drinks, which can dehydrate the body. Sweating is crucial for cooling, so dehydration can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses.
Lanza recommended staying on the ground floor of multi-story homes, as heat rises. Covering windows to block out heat and using a battery-powered fan behind a damp curtain or towel to enhance cooling were also suggested.
Vulnerable individuals, such as children and older adults, should be monitored closely for signs of heat-related distress, such as heat rash, muscle spasms, or heat cramps. Symptoms progressing to heat exhaustion, characterized by heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea, and potential neurological symptoms like confusion or loss of consciousness, require immediate medical attention.
“As temperatures remain high and power restoration continues, it’s crucial to take these precautions to stay safe,” Lanza concluded.
