Carry water and refill it all day
The CDC advises carrying a water bottle and drinking and refilling it throughout the day, and limiting drinks high in sugars and sodium, caffeine, and alcohol.
Patients & families
Health & Safety Tips
Short, practical tips from trusted public-health sources, grouped by topic. Each tip links to its source and to our longer articles.
General information, not medical advice. In an emergency call 911.
Heat & Hydration
Texas heat is dangerous, especially for older adults, young children and people with chronic conditions. Drink water, stay cool and know the signs of heat stroke.
Find air conditioning (dial 2-1-1)
Stay in the shade and use air conditioning. Dial 2-1-1 to find a location that has it. The CDC says to use fans only if indoor temperatures are less than 90°F.
Check on neighbors and loved ones
Check on family, friends and neighbors, especially those who have chronic medical problems or live alone. And check on pets.
Know who is at higher risk
The CDC lists people 65 or older, infants and young children, pregnant women, outdoor workers and athletes, and people with asthma or heart disease as higher risk.
Heat stroke is a 911 emergency
Confusion, slurred speech, seizures, passing out or very high body temperature can signal heat stroke. Call 911, move the person to shade and cool them with cold water or wet cloths.
Keep medicines out of hot cars
The CDC notes that heat can degrade insulin, inhalers can burst in hot car trunks, and EpiPens may malfunction when exposed to heat. Don’t leave medicines in a car.
Respiratory & COVID-19 Safety
Flu, COVID-19 and RSV are common respiratory viruses. Current CDC guidance focuses on vaccines, staying home when sick, clean hands and cleaner air.
Get a flu vaccine every season
The CDC says everyone 6 months and older, with rare exception, should get a flu vaccine every season. Ideally, everyone should be vaccinated by the end of October.
Stay up to date on COVID-19 vaccines
The CDC recommends a 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccine for all adults ages 18 and older. Recommendations for children vary, so ask your child’s health care provider.
Stay home and away from others when sick
Return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, your symptoms are getting better overall and you’ve had no fever without using fever-reducing medicine.
Clean hands, cleaner air, extra layers
Wash your hands regularly, clean commonly touched surfaces and bring in fresh air where you can. Masks, physical distancing and tests add more protection.
Higher risk? Seek testing and treatment early
If you have risk factors for severe illness and feel sick, seek care right away. Flu and COVID-19 treatment needs to be started within a few days of when symptoms begin.
Know the emergency warning signs
Trouble breathing, chest pain or pressure that won’t go away, new confusion, trouble waking or staying awake, or pale, gray or blue lips or skin: call 911.
Stroke & Heart
With a stroke, heart attack or cardiac arrest, every minute counts. Learn the warning signs, call 911 and know how to help until EMS arrives.
Spot a stroke with B.E. F.A.S.T.
Balance loss, Eye (vision) changes, Face drooping, Arm drifting down, Speech slurred or strange, Time to call 9-1-1 right away.
Note when stroke symptoms started
Note the time symptoms first appear; it helps providers choose the best treatment. Call 9-1-1 for an ambulance so treatment can begin on the way to the hospital.
Know the heart attack warning signs
Chest pain or discomfort; feeling weak, light-headed or faint; pain in the jaw, neck, back, arms or shoulders; shortness of breath. Call 9-1-1.
Symptoms can differ for women
Women may also have unusual or unexplained tiredness and nausea or vomiting. The chances of surviving a heart attack are better the sooner emergency treatment begins.
Cardiac arrest: call 911, CPR, AED
If you think someone is in cardiac arrest, call 9-1-1 right away, look for an automated external defibrillator (AED), and give CPR until medical professionals arrive.
AEDs are built for bystanders
AEDs give step-by-step instructions and voice prompts, and untrained bystanders can use them. Look for them in airports, office buildings, gyms and shopping centers.
Home Safety & Falls
Falls, fires and carbon monoxide are common hazards at home. A few checks and upgrades can prevent many injuries.
Falls are common, and preventable
More than one out of four older people falls each year, and falling once doubles your chances of falling again, according to the CDC.
Ask about fall risk and your medicines
Ask your doctor to evaluate your risk for falling, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines for any that might make you dizzy or sleepy.
Build strength and balance; check your eyes
Do exercises that make your legs stronger and improve balance, such as Tai Chi. Have your eyes checked at least once a year and update your glasses if needed.
Make your home safer
Remove trip hazards, add grab bars in the bathroom, install railings on stairs and make sure every part of your home is well lit.
Put CO detectors near sleeping areas
Install battery-operated or battery back-up CO detectors near every sleeping area. Check batteries when you change your clocks; replace the detector as directed or every 5 years.
Smoke alarms on every level
Install smoke alarms on every level, including the basement. Replace batteries twice a year unless they are 10-year lithium, and replace alarms every 10 years.
Storm & Hurricane
Hurricanes, floods and severe storms can cut power and roads for days. Plan ahead, build a kit and never drive into flood water.
Know your evacuation zone
If you live in an evacuation zone, you may have to leave quickly. Keep medication, disinfectant supplies and pet supplies in your go bag or car trunk.
Build a kit with water and food
Store one gallon of water per person per day for several days and at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food, plus a flashlight, radio and first aid kit.
Turn Around Don’t Drown
6 inches of fast-moving flood water can knock over an adult, and 12 inches of rushing water can carry away most cars. It is never safe to drive or walk into flood waters.
Run generators outdoors only
Use generators and fuel outdoors, at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages, and install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level.
Plan for power-dependent medical needs
Talk to your medical provider about a power outage plan for electric medical devices and refrigerated medicines, including how long they can stay safe in heat.
Make a family emergency plan
Write down family names and contacts, meeting places and medical information, and decide how you’ll contact one another and reconnect if separated.
Medication Safety
Keeping track of your medicines, storing them safely and disposing of them properly helps prevent mistakes and poisonings.
Keep a current medication list
List each medicine’s name, strength, purpose and directions, plus allergies and emergency contacts. Keep a copy with you; it helps responders if you can’t communicate.
Store medicines up and away
Pick a storage place children cannot reach or see, and put medicines and supplements (including gummies) away every time. Never leave them on a counter or bedside.
Read labels carefully, in good light
Turn on a light so you don’t misread a label, and take medicines as directed. If you don’t understand the instructions, talk to your pharmacist or doctor first.
Use take-back options for disposal
The FDA says take-back options are the best way to dispose of unused or expired medicines: take-back events, authorized drop-off sites or prepaid mail-back envelopes.
Naloxone is available without a prescription
Naloxone nasal spray is FDA-approved for over-the-counter use and sold in drug, convenience and grocery stores, gas stations and online. If you suspect an overdose, call 911.
Poison Help: 800-222-1222
Call your poison control center at 800-222-1222 if you think a child got into a medicine or supplement. In an emergency, call 911.