By: Nadia Brown

As summer intensifies across North Texas, so does the danger of extreme heat.

The Dallas skyline glowed orange on June 2 in honor of Heat Action Day, a global initiative led by the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies to raise awareness about the growing threat of heat-related illness and the importance of community preparedness.

That morning, the American Red Cross North Texas Region joined city leaders in City Hall to discuss how to recognize heat exhaustion and heat stroke and remind residents that extreme heat is not just uncomfortable; it can be deadly.
 

Know the Risks

Heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke can set in quickly, especially for young children, older adults, outdoor workers and those without reliable access to air conditioning. Consider the warning signs of heat exhaustion as temperatures rise:

• Heavy sweating
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea
• Cool, clammy skin
• Muscle cramps

If untreated, heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening emergency marked by confusion, loss of consciousness and a body temperature of 103°F or higher. Call 911 immediately if you suspect heat stroke.

Red Cross Tips to Beat the Heat

As part of our commitment to keeping North Texas safe, the American Red Cross offers these lifesaving tips:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly, even when not thirsty. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
• Limit Outdoor Activity: Stay indoors with air conditioning (A/C) when it’s hot outside.
• Wear Lightweight Clothing: Choose light-colored, loose-fitting clothes and a wide-brimmed hat.
• Check on Others: Call or visit elderly family members, neighbors, and anyone you know who may not have A/C.
• Know Where to Go: Find a local cooling center or public shelter to stay safe!

Where to Cool Off in North Texas

During periods of extreme heat, most North Texas cities open cooling centers and shelters. Typical sites include libraries as well as community, recreation, and senior centers.

Dallas-Fort Worth area cooling centers and programs:

• Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center at 2922 MLK Jr. Blvd., Dallas, TX
• Dallas Public Library locations
• Fort Worth Beat the Heat Program
• Salvation Army locations in Collin, Dallas, Denton, Tarrant, and Ellis counties

To find open cooling centers in your area, dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211texas.org and search for “extreme heat” using the closest zip code.

Community in Action

Participation in Heat Action Day demonstrates the North Texas Region’s commitment to safety and resilience. From skyline lights to public outreach, the Red Cross and community partners are coming together to confront climate-driven challenges head-on.

You can help, too. Share these tips with friends and family, follow trusted weather updates and consider volunteering with the Red Cross. Every action counts.

To learn more about heat safety and how to prepare for emergencies year-round, visit our Extreme Heat Safety page.