The National Weather Service recently placed most of Central Texas under a heat advisory until 7 p.m. Thursday, as daytime temperatures are expected to climb to between 100 and 105 degrees. As a result, ÁùºÏ±¦µä is triggering Green Tier activities—things that ÁùºÏ±¦µä staff can do to both save energy and prevent heat-related illnesses.
To save energy, ÁùºÏ±¦µä encourages the following actions be taken on its campuses:
- Turn lights off in large areas like cafeterias and libraries.
- Turn lights off where sufficient natural light exists.
- Reduce facility use of HVAC systems by doing things like raising the thermostats to 78 degrees.
- Spread and encourage messages of energy conservation.
To prevent symptoms of heat exhaustion, employees and students should adhere to the following:
- Stay in the shade or indoors whenever possible.
- Wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher.
- Limit physical fitness activities to the early mornings or late evenings.
- Take 10-minute water breaks per every 30 minutes of exercise.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
- Use the buddy system during all outside activities such as athletic practices or performing arts schedules.
- Carry a water bottle or ensure you have easy access to water to ensure you stay hydrated.
Practicing Green Tier activities will help ÁùºÏ±¦µä students and staff stay cool and safe on campus. Remember, seek medical attention immediately if you feel you or someone near you is experiencing symptoms of heat related illness.