Residents of San Antonio are no strangers to high temperatures and humidity during the summer months. Every year, people across the country die due to heat-related illness, so it’s important to know what you can do to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The City of San Antonio has implemented the “Beat the Heat” campaign in order to educate the community of the dangers and precautions that can be taken during excessive heat.

Below you will find basic information on heat injury prevention as well as resources available to the community to assist with staying cool.

PLACES TO STAY COOL
When temperatures rise to potentially dangerous levels, it is important to stay inside an air-conditioned space whenever possible. There are currently over 30 San Antonio locations for the public to use to stay cool. These include:

• City Libraries
• Senior Centers
• Community Centers

Places to Stay Cool Map

NOTE: Via's Personal Trip Planner can help you find a bus route to a location near you.

ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES TO STAY COOL
Additional opportunities to stay cool include the City’s following free facilities:

• Splash Pads
• Swimming Pools

For locations, visitor information, and hours of operation, please visit the Parks & Recreation Department.

HEAT SAFETY TIPS
Adults over 65, children under 4, and people with existing medical conditions such as heart disease and those without access to air conditioning are at highest risk on days with high temperatures.

Drinking plenty of water and protecting oneself from the sun are critical precautions. Additionally, people should call and check on their neighbors who may be at high risk and ensure access to heat relief and hydration.

Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are possible health effects. Warning signs of heat stroke include: high body temperature (103°F or higher), red, hot, and moist or dry skin - no sweating, a strong rapid pulse or a slow weak pulse, nausea, confusion or acting strangely. If a child exhibits any of these signs, cool the child rapidly with cool cloths or a cool bath (not an ice bath), do not give the person anything to drink and call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.

Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles. If you see a child or pet locked in a hot car or in the back of a truck, take action immediately. Jot down the car’s description (including a license plate number). Call the Police Department immediately. If regarding a pet, call Animal Care Services at 311. Per city ordinance, both Police and Animal Care Officers have the right to break a car’s window if a child or animal is endangered inside a vehicle.
 

District 2 Councilmember Celebrates New City Insulin Support Program
June 20, 2024
Today, City Council unanimously approved an innovative new program to help residents afford insulin. The program is possible through an agreement between H-E-B and the City of San Antonio Metropolitan Health District’s Chronic Disease Prevention Program.  

H-E-B will implement the program in area pharmacies within designated zip codes that represent the highest prevalence of diabetes-related hospitalizations in San Antonio. Through the agreement, the out-of-pocket cost of insulin will be subsidized for individuals who cannot afford their prescription, up to $100 per prescription. 

“This program will provide critical relief to people who have been impacted by sky-high insulin prices,” District 2 Councilmember McKee-Rodriguez said. "I’m grateful to Councilmember Rocha Garcia for partnering on this proposal to bring tangible and direct support to those who need it most. 

“Residents of our community face some of the greatest health disparities in the city, further exacerbated by the lack of access to quality, healthy, affordable food items, green space, and health services. This leads to poor health outcomes including higher rates of chronic illnesses and conditions, such as diabetes.

“Our office has received calls from residents making the difficult choice between rent and utilities, groceries, and medications like insulin. This program will provide emergency life-saving support for those most in need and we are happy to have been a champion for this issue.” 

New Spay/Neuter Clinic Lease Approved in Denver Heights
June 20, 2024
Today, City Council voted to approve a five-year Lease Agreement for clinic space at 1604 S. New Braunfels Avenue in the Denver Heights neighborhood. The space will used by San Antonio Animal Care Services (SAACS) to open a new spay/neuter clinic to serve the Eastside and surrounding communities.  

District 2 Councilmember McKee-Rodriguez released the following statement: 

“From the beginning of my tenure as councilmember, addressing animal welfare concerns and supporting our Animal Care Services department remains one of my most pressing priorities. Today is the first major concrete step in a years-long push to open and operate a spay/neuter clinic right to the heart of the Eastside for more accessible services for our neighborhoods that especially face stray and roaming animal issues.  

“We want to thank the Animal Care Services department for their steadfast work and dedication to this project. We are extremely hopeful the new spay/neuter clinic will help make a difference in the health and happiness of our animals and those who care for them.”

A second five-year Lease Agreement for a spay/neuter clinic space was also approved by City Council today for the Las Palmas area. To learn more about SAACS’ spay/neuter services, visit the City’s website.

City and Union Pacific Partner to Revamp Rittiman Road Railroad Crossing
June 20, 2024
Today, the City and Union Pacific inked an agreement to begin revamping the railroad crossing at Rittiman Road and I-35. During today’s session, City Council approved a Reimbursement Agreement for Preliminary Engineering Services for the Rittiman Road Grade Separation Project. The much-anticipated revamp will help residents avoid spending too much time waiting for a train to pass. 

District 2 Councilmember Jalen McKee-Rodriguez issued the following statement: 

“District 2 has the highest number of railroad crossings in the city, and this specific project is a welcome sign that the city is one step closer to eliminating this railroad crossing. I want to thank Union Pacific for their collaboration on this effort. 

“Our next step will be to complete the project design and to identify opportunities to fund this roughly $55 million project. 

“It is an ambitious project, but we hope it will be a game changer for those living and working in the area, who often spend 45-50 minutes stuck waiting for the train to pass.”