Houston’s Hottest Month: Extreme Heat Safety Tips for Homeowners

August in Houston is not just uncomfortable — it can be genuinely dangerous. Heat-related illnesses kill more Americans each year than all other weather hazards combined. In 2023, Harris County recorded 97 heat-related deaths. Your home’s ability to maintain a safe temperature is a health issue, not just a comfort issue.

When the Power Goes Out in August: Have a Plan

ERCOT’s Texas power grid is under maximum strain during August heat waves. Prepare for potential outages:

• Know the location of the nearest cooling center (Houston has dozens — search HoustonEmergency.org)
• Keep a battery-powered or solar fan for each bedroom
• Stock a cooler with ice packs that can be used to cool down quickly
• Identify which rooms in your home stay coolest naturally (usually interior rooms, north-facing, or basement if you have one)
• If you or a family member has a medical condition requiring consistent temperature, register with CenterPoint’s Life Support Program

Keep Your AC Running Efficiently in the Heat

Peak summer heat is when AC systems work hardest — and fail most often. Protect your system during August by keeping the area around the outdoor condenser clear of debris (2 feet of clearance on all sides), checking that the condensate drain line isn’t clogged (common in Houston; a clogged drain causes water damage and shuts down the unit), and changing the air filter if you haven’t in the last 90 days.

Create Cool Zones in Your Home

If cooling your entire home becomes too expensive or your AC is struggling, focus on keeping two to three rooms consistently cool. Close off unused rooms, hang blackout curtains on south and west windows, and use portable fans to circulate cool air from the AC vents into bedrooms. The goal is maintaining sleeping areas below 78°F for safe sleep.

Recognize Heat Illness in Your Family

Know the warning signs: Heat exhaustion symptoms include heavy sweating, pale skin, fast/weak pulse, nausea, and muscle cramps. Heat stroke is more severe: high body temperature (103°F+), hot/dry skin, rapid strong pulse, confusion. Heat stroke is a medical emergency — call 911 immediately and move the person to a cool environment.