While additional thunderstorms are possible the first half of this week, city leaders in Dallas are urging people to prepare for summer. The National Weather Service says DFW Airport's average date for its first 100 degree day is July 1, and the Metroplex hits 100 degrees 20 days each year.
"This is an issue that hits close to home for the fire department because all of our members out in the field, while responding in the community, are susceptible to heat and heat emergencies," says Chris Chiara, EMS section chief of Dallas Fire-Rescue.
Chiara says firefighters take precautions to avoid emergencies among their ranks and urges others to do the same.
"Obviously, drinking water early and often and replacing what you've lost in sweat pays huge dividends," he says. "Second, taking frequent rest breaks is something we do with our fire crews in the field. We shorten the amount of time they're working in the heat, and we elongate the time they're resting."
Chiara says paramedics are often asked how people can recognize the signs of heat-related illness. He says the first signs can include cramps, excessive sweating, and heat rash. When you notice someone showing those signs, "you need to pull them back a little bit, get them some rest, get them in the shade and cool down."
"When it progresses past that, the nausea, vomiting, headaches and altered level of consciousness, that's when you need to call us for help," Chiara says.
Dallas City Councilman Tennell Atkins says the city's Office of Emergency Management is now working with neighborhood groups and nonprofits to help people understand heat safety.
"Dallas takes a community-first approach to heat safety," he says.
Atkins says the city will open cooling centers at libraries and recreation centers. He says the city works with the Red Cross and other non-profits to give tips on how to stay safe in the heat.
For those who work outside, Atkins says people will need to stay hydrated and should start drinking water before they go outside. For people who want to go outside to exercise, he suggests people either go out early or late in the evening.
"Make sure you keep a bottle of water with you. Make sure you've got a cellphone and what number you need to call," he says. "It's the small things we forget when we're outside in the heat."
The Red Cross is holding "Heat Action Day" Monday.
"We know the heat isn't just uncomfortable, it can be dangerous," says Linda Braddy, chief executive of the American Red Cross North Texas Region.
Braddy says heat is one of the deadliest weather hazards in the United States.
"It puts everybody at risk but especially our most vulnerable: infants, older adults, people with chronic health conditions and people living in densely populated urban areas like Dallas," she says.
Information about cooling centers in Dallas and how to stay safe in the heat is available at https://dallascityhall.com/departments/officeemergencymanagement/Pages/Cooling-Centers.aspx .