TPWD shares heat safety tips

Now that it is officially summer, the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has issued a few tips to stay safe in the Texas heat when visiting state parks.  TPWD said the arrival of hot temperatures poses a risk of heat-related illnesses.

HEAT SAFETY TIPS:

Hydrate:  It is important to drink at least 16 ounces of water every hour, and don’t forget to pack extra water for your pets.

Wear SPF: After applying a generous amount of sunblock or sunscreen, don’t forget to reapply every few hours, and after swimming or sweating.

Dress Accordingly: Wear light colored, loose-fitting, breathable clothing.  Add a hat, correct shoes, sunscreen, and wet bandanas to keep cool in the sun.

Bring Salty Snacks: Eating snacks helps keep energy levels up and replaces salt loss from sweating.  Foods such as jerky, granola, trail mix, tuna, and dried fruit are all great options to nourish your body while on the trails.

Don’t Go Alone: Heat-related illness is no stranger to the high Texas temperatures, so having a friend around to recognize early symptoms can save you from getting sick.

Plan Ahead: TPWD recommends studying the map and keeping it close.  Share your plan, in case you become lost.

Protect Your Pup: Hit the trails during cooler times of the day, so the ground isn’t too hot.  This protects paws against blistering.  “If you can’t touch the pavement or ground with the back of your hand for five seconds, the surface is too hot for your pet’s paw,” TPWD said.  Throwing a pair of booties on pets is another way to shield paws from the hot ground.  Remember to bring enough water and snacks to ensure that your pets last the entirety of the hiking trip.

TPWD says that last year, 44 state parks reported a total of 192 heat-related illnesses, with 10 of those incidents involving pets.  Texas recorded 36 more heat-related illnesses last year than in 2023.