Image Credit: Jared Tennant

Record-high temperatures across Texas make it difficult to spend time outside, but litter and pollution aren’t going anywhere. Here’s some tips on how to stay cool while cleaning up your community.

• Bring plenty of water and drink it often. When planning a cleanup, provide water bottles and/or water coolers for filling reusable bottles.
• Plan cleanups for earlier in the morning.
• Avoid planning or participating in cleanups during an excessive heat warning (when maximum heat index temperature is expected to be 105° or higher).
• Find shaded areas to complete cleanups. Clean up along a creek lined with trees, rather than a highway. Or get out on the water!
• Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Take breaks in a shaded or air conditioned area as needed.

• Symptoms: heavy sweating, weakness or tiredness, cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, fainting
• Note that some groups of people are more vulnerable to heat illness, including young children, elderly, those with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant people.
• Learn more about heat illnesses and recommended first aid steps.