During June, MedStar has implemented several severe weather protocols due to the heat index. A MedStar spokesperson said between May 1-June 12 in 2021, 59 heat-related patients were picked up. This year, in that same time period, MedStar has seen 181 patients, with 10 more serious cases than the previous year.
On Monday, the National Weather Service issued a heat advisory east of I-35, advising residents to stay hydrated, wear light colored clothing, avoid spending extended periods of time outdoors and to check the backseat of cars to make sure young children and pets are not left behind.
HEAT EXHAUSTION VS. HEAT STROKE
Heat exhaustion is when the body loses large amounts of water and salt through excessive sweating, particularly through hard physical labor or exercise. Symptoms include muscle cramps, paleness, sweating, nausea and vomiting. According to MedStar, children and the elderly are especially susceptible.
If you are someone you know experiences heat exhaustion, the National Weather Service advises moving to a cooler area, loosening clothing and drinking cool water. If symptoms don’t improve, seek medical attention.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency — if you or someone you know starts experiencing heat stroke symptoms, immediately call 911.
IS FORT WORTH CLOSE TO A DROUGHT?
As of June 13, Fort Worth is not in a drought. A Fort Worth Water Department spokesperson said the city has a drought plan in place that has action triggers based on water supply levels, but Fort Worth is not close to the first trigger yet.
Keeping landscapes watered in the summer time is key to protecting foundations from cracking, especially during dry periods, according to Texas A&M AgriLife Research & Extension Center at Dallas.
Here’s what to know about the three stage drought response.
Stage one: Water Watch
A water watch is put in place when water demand, either citywide or in a specified portion, reaches or exceeds 90% of reliable delivery capacity for three consecutive days.
The watch is also put in place for delivery capacity reasons, major water systems failures and water contamination.
The Tarrant Regional Water District applies a water watch for similar reasons, including if the total raw water supply in its western and eastern division reservoirs drops below 75% of the conservation storage.
In a stage one water watch, water use is reduced by 5% but the number can be increased if necessary.
Under a water watch, residents using a sprinkler or irrigation system are limited to two watering days a week and have to water outside of the hours between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Residential addresses ending in an even number may water on Wednesdays and Saturdays while residences ending in an odd number can water on Thursdays and Sundays.
Lawns and landscaping may be watered on any day, at any time, using a handheld hose, drip irrigation, a soaker hose or tree bubbler. According to the city’s Drought Contingency and Emergency Water Management Plan, this allows for the protection of structural foundations and trees.
Under this stage, vehicle washing is limited to the use of a hand-held bucket or a hand-held hose equipped with positive-pressure shutoff nozzle for quick rinses.
In a water watch, residents are discouraged from filling, draining, or refilling pools and hot tubs except to maintain adequate water levels for structural integrity, proper operation and maintenance and to alleviate an issue that poses a public safety risk.
Stage two: Water Warning
In order to issue a water warning, water demand would have to reach or exceed 95% of reliable delivery capacity for three consecutive days, both citywide or in concentrated areas.
TRWD initiates stage two if the total water supply in its western and eastern division reservoirs drops below 60% of the conservation storage.
In a water warning, water use is to be decreased by 10%, with landscape watering reduced to once a week using a sprinkler or irrigation system. Landscapes can still be watered any day and time using a handheld hose, drip irrigation, soaker hose or tree bubbler, according to the emergency plan.
Stage three: Emergency Water Use
This stage is put into effect when water demand citywide or in a specified portion reaches or exceeds 98% of reliable delivery capacity for one day. TRWD puts stage two into effect if the total water supply in its reservoirs drops below 60% of conservation storage.
During stage three, water use is decreased by 20%. During an emergency water use stage, landscape watering, including at parks, golf courses, and sports fields, is prohibited except with a handheld or soaker hose.
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