Natural Hazards and Threats

Natural hazards are severe and extreme weather and climate events that occur naturally in all parts of the world; the Irving area is more vulnerable to natural hazards such as severe storms, flash flooding and tornadoes. Natural hazards become natural disasters when people’s lives and livelihoods are destroyed. Human and material losses caused by natural disasters are a major obstacle to sustainable development.

  1. Extreme Heat
  2. Flood
  3. Hail
  4. Severe Storms and Lightning
  5. Tornado
  6. Winter Weather
  7. Earthquakes

temperature

North Texas gets its fair share of extreme heat. With an extended period of extreme heat, there is often high humidity. During that time, a body can be pushed beyond its limits. Illnesses range from heat cramps to heat stroke. Young children, the elderly and those who are sick or overweight are more susceptible to extreme temperatures.

Heat safety tips:

  • Stay out of the sun as much as you can. Use sunscreen.
  • Drink plenty of non-alcoholic and caffeine-free fluids to stay hydrated.
  • Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if needed.
  • Check for proper insulation in air-conditioning ducts.
  • Apply weather strips to doors and windows to keep the cool air in.

Read the "Sweating Out a Texas Heat Wave" brochure (PDF).