It's hot out there, and as the mercury rises into the triple digits, the Bexar County Metro Health District today issued a Level Two Heat Advisory for the entire weekend, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
That means with the mercury hitting 104 degrees, the heat index will reach 108 or more, leading to stress to humans, pets, and cars and other mechanical devices.
"Its important to stay hydrated, avoid outdoor activities during the hottest time of the day, and check on neighbors, especially the elderly," said Dr. Colleen Bridger, Director of Metro Health. "Drinking water throughout the day will help prevent complications from heat exposure."
A Level Two Heat Advisory is the second most serious in the heat advisory scale.
Local non profits will be opening emergency shelters to house families without air conditioning
In addition, police and emergency services crews will be ready to smash car windows to rescue children and pets who have been left inside hot cars, even for 'just a second while I run into the store.'
If you see a pet locked in a hot car, take action immediately. Write down the car’s description (including a license plate number) and go into a nearby store to have the owner paged. If you don’t get a response, call Animal Care Services or the Police Department immediately. Per city ordinance, both San Antonio Animal Care Officers and the police have the right to break a car’s window if an animal is endangered inside that vehicle. Owners who lock their pets in hot cars can be charged with animal cruelty.