Program planned to help Houstonians safely beat the heat this summer amid COVID-19 concerns
HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Mayor Sylvester Turner is teaming up with Reliant to announce its annual "Beat the Heat" program.
The 15th year of the program will address residents' concerns about managing their electricity use during the hot Houston summer. In addition, Turner is expected to answer questions and information on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
During typical summers, the Houston Health Department spends a lot of time educating vulnerable citizens and seniors about safely managing the heat and staying cool. This year, they will add information on how to do so while practicing social distancing.
Reliant Energy is announcing an $80,000 dollar donation toward such efforts.
The city of Houston typically opens emergency cooling centers when the heat index reaches above a certain temperature. Just like everything else, that part of the program is also expected to be affected by COVID-19.
TAKE THE QUIZ: How safe are summer activities like camp and vacation during the pandemic?
As a reminder, COVID-19 testing, free and low cost, is available throughout the city. This week's locations can be found at houstonemergency.org/covid-19-testing.
Some testing locations do not require appointments, and others require that you call ahead.
