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Houstonians are no stranger to record-high temperatures come summer time.

Last year, Houston experienced two of its hottest days on record with temperatures reaching a scorching 109 degrees on Aug. 24 and 27. Last summer also included a streak of 65 consecutive days with temperatures above the 95-degree mark.

This summer, temperatures are expected to be above normal for most parts of Texas, including the Houston region, according to a seasonal temperature outlook released in May by the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center.

With another brutal summer on the horizon, it’s important to understand the risks of high heat. Multiple resources are available for you to find food for your children during the summer break and ways to cool off around the region.

Here are some general tips and advice for how to handle Houston’s heat:

How to keep yourself cool this summer

In Houston, it’s difficult to remain cool, especially during the hottest parts of the day — noon to 5 p.m. Even a simple walk to your car or a stroll around the block could elevate your internal body temperature to dangerous levels.

Some measures you can take to keep safe in the heat include:

• Drinking lots of liquids beforehand
• Taking frequent breaks from the sun
• Wearing loose and light-colored clothing
• Wearing sunscreen
• Using a portable, rechargeable handheld fan
• Wearing a hat

If you work outside, be sure to take frequent breaks and drink water. If you plan to engage in heavy activity, you will want to do the same thing. Try to avoid caffeine and alcohol to avoid the loss of body fluids.

The best way to stay cool indoors, of course, is to use an air conditioner. But if you don’t have AC, using a fan can help. Just remember that a fan doesn't provide cool air but instead moves hot air around. Cold showers and baths also can help you stay cool.

Heat-illness symptoms to keep an eye out for

The two main heat-related illnesses you should be aware of are heat stroke and heat exhaustion.

Heat stroke means your body no longer can heat itself, and your perspiration system fails. Your body temperature can rise to 106 degrees or higher within 15 minutes during a heat stroke. Symptoms include dizziness, confusion and even unconsciousness. If you notice someone exhibiting these symptoms, and they are not sweating and their skin is dry, call 911.

Heat stroke can lead to organ damage and sometimes death.

Heat exhaustion is the loss of water and salt from excessive sweating, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. If you notice someone who seems weak or dizzy, move them to a cooler place. Other symptoms include nausea and excessive sweating.

Vulnerable populations during extreme heat include the elderly, infants, people who may be overweight and those with chronic illnesses.

Between May 15 and June 4, Houston emergency centers and hospitals recorded 304 individuals with heat-related illnesses, according to Houston Health Department spokesman Porforio Villarreal.

If you need shelter to escape the heat

During the summer, not everyone may have suitable air conditioning or places to cool off to escape the brutal heat. If you aren’t able to cool off at a nearby pool or at a friend’s home, there are places you can turn.

The Houston Health Department operates 12 multiservice centers where you can cool off during operating hours Monday through Friday. If you’re not sure where the closest one is, call 311.

Houston’s multi-service centers include:

• Acres Homes Multi-Service Center
• Alief Neighborhood Center
• Denver Harbor Multi-Service Center
• Fifth Ward Multi-Service Center
• Hiram Clarke Multi-Service Center
• Kashmere Multi-Service Center
• Magnolia Multi-Service Center
• Northeast Multi-Service Center
• Southwest Multi-Service Center
• Sunnyside Health and Multi-Service Center
• Third Ward Multi-Service Center
• West End Multi-Service Center

During extreme heat, the city of Houston may designate “cooling centers,” where officials open additional locations at extended hours. In those cases, the heat index, or how the temperature feels, must be at 108 degrees for two days in a row to activate the city’s heat emergency plan, Villarreal said.

Additionally, the YMCA of Greater Houston partners with the city’s Office of Emergency Management to offer cooling centers during extreme heat situations.

If you need food for children, adults

There are many resources available to find food around the region. The Houston Food Bank has an interactive map where you can search for food distribution sites around Houston that are open near you. Click here to check it out.

School districts also provide meals to students during break. Check out the Department of Agriculture’s interactive map to find a meal near you.

How to keep children entertained, engaged

From your local pool, book challenges to summer camps, Houston provides some options to keep children entertained this summer.

The city has 12 pools scheduled to open through September. For hours of operations, click here.

Half Price Books hosts an annual Summer Reading Camp where it offers digital activities you can download, such as coloring pages, recommended reading lists and a reading log. In July and August, children who finish their reading log can turn them in at their local store in exchange for $5 Bookroom Bucks (a $5 discount in-store).

The Houston Public Library offers the Get LIT Summer Literacy Program for children in kindergarten through fifth grade to improve their literacy skills. The program consists of one-on-one and group sessions that can be taken in English or Spanish. These lessons are available at four locations. Click here to learn more. The Houston Public Library also is offering a Summer Reading Program.

YMCA of Greater Houston has summer camps for children with varying activities depending on their age. Click here to find a breakdown of their camps and how to register. 

The YMCA of Greater Houston offers summer complimentary memberships for teenagers 13 to 18 years old. The memberships include access to swimming pools, social activities, college readiness opportunities, and more. The organization also offers a Connection Guest Pass for you to visit a location up to three times.

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