Sun Safety
A sunburn will fade, but damage to deeper layers of skin remains and can eventually cause cancer. That's why sun-safe habits should begin in childhood and last a lifetime. 
For more information visit American Cancer Society's Sun Safety page.
Heat Safety
Summer's here and the heat is on! If a heat wave is predicted or happening...
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Slow down. Avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day which is usually in the morning between 4:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m.
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Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine. Try to go to a public building with air conditioning each day for several hours. Remember, electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy.
- Drink plenty of water regularly and often. Your body needs water to keep cool.
- Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat’s effects on your body worse. This is especially true about beer, which dehydrates the body.
- Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
- Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
For more information visit Fort Bend County OEM's Drought and Heat Wave page.
Insect Repellent
Mosquitoes bugging you? Insect repellent helps reduce your exposure to mosquito bites that may carry West Nile virus or other diseases, and allows you to continue to play, work, and enjoy the outdoors with a lower risk of disease. How do I choose an insect repellent?
Always remember the 3 D’s of protection from mosquitoes: Drain, Dress, Defend.
The Department of Health & Human Services is Fort Bend County's principal agency for protecting the health of county residents and providing essential human services, especially for those who are least able to help themselves. The Department includes seven subordinate departments, covering a wide spectrum of activities .
