Not Everyone Can Stand the Heat

Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the U.S., resulting in more than 1,000 fatalities each year. Heat can be very taxing on the body and can worsen preexisting health conditions.

In the intense heat of Texas’ summer, remember that everyone can be vulnerable to heat, but some more so than others.

The following groups are particularly vulnerable:

• Young children and infants. Their bodies are less able to adapt to heat.
• Older adults, particularly those who have preexisting diseases, take certain medications, live alone, or have limited mobility, can experience multiple adverse effects when exposed to extreme heat.
• People with chronic medical conditions are more likely to have a serious health problem during a heat wave.
• Pregnant women are also at higher risk. Extreme heat events have been associated with adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality, as well as congenital cataracts.

It’s never safe to leave a child, disabled person, or pet locked in a car, even in the winter. If you have a toddler in your household, lock your unoccupied vehicles, even in your own driveway. Kids can wander outside, get into a car, and die in as little as 10 minutes.

39 children died in hot cars in 2024. Deaths routinely are reported as early as April, and tragedies continue into December in southern states.