Here’s what every Austinite needs to know about heat safety

This can’t be the kind of heat Whitney Houston wanted to feel with somebody.

Comedy can be a cure, but the heat in Austin is no joke. Ahead of another scorching summer, city officials shared tips for staying safe and conserving resources.

Stay hydrated + healthy

• Drink water throughout the day, even if you aren’t thirsty
• Avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages in the heat
• Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and how to respond
• Use this map of cooling centers to escape the heat

Conserve energy

At a press conference this week, Mayor Kirk Watson said Austin Energy recently received ERCOT’s “summer-ready” stamp of approval. Still, the entity asks Austinites to help maintain the grid’s integrity through conservation efforts.

Here are some of its recommendations:

• Set your thermostat to 78+ degrees and use fans to stay cool
• Install LED light bulbs
• Avoid using major appliances during peak heat hours
• Unplug devices that aren’t in use

View more guidance from the city of Austin.