A person in their 50s has died in what Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) is reporting as the first heat-related death of the 2026 season. DCHHS said the person had pre-existing medical conditions. “The confirmation of a heat-related death underscores the serious health risks as sociated with extreme temperatures,” said Dr. Philip Huang, Director of DCHHS. The following heat-related precautions were recommended by DCHHS: Stay hydrated. Drinking water every hour when it’s hot outside and even when you are not thirsty. Avoid alcohol on hot days. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day (usually 3–7 p.m.). Stay in air-conditioned indoor locations. If you must be outside, take frequent breaks in the shade. Never leave people or pets in a parked car. “Texas heat can become dangerous quickly. We encourage everyone to check on family, friends and neighbors, as well as older adults, children and individuals with chronic health conditions,” said Huang. Heat safety tips With heat like this, you’ll want to take precautions and be prepared. Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors to ensure they stay cool. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles. According to the National Safety Council, if it’s 95 degrees outside, a car’s internal temperature could climb to 129 degrees in 30 minutes. After just 10 minutes, temperatures inside could reach 114 degrees. A child’s body temperature heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s, and heatstroke can begin when a person’s core body temperature reaches 104 degrees. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, a core temperature of 107 degrees is lethal. Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible, reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing when possible. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air-conditioned environments to reduce risk during outdoor work. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heatstroke is an emergency! Call 911. The CDC has more information on heat-related illnesses. Take care of your pets by providing fresh, cool water and shade. Also, pets should not be left outside and unattended for too long. It’s too hot, and they need to be brought inside. ...read more read less