HOUSTON -- With temperatures that reached a record 101 degrees Tuesday, people were encouraged to beware of the heat and find refuge in anything that will keep them cool, KPRC Local 2 reported.

"My daughter loves the water, so I figured what better place to go than down to Discovery Green and play in the water," mother Erin West said.

Reliant Energy has set up eight "beat the heat" centers around town. They are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with refreshments and entertainment for the family.

"For folks that just want to get out of the heat, we realize that during this time of year there are people in Houston who do try to live without air conditioning," Reliant Energy spokeswoman Pat Hammond said. "Certainly that's not a safe thing to do. We want to give those folks a cool place to go during the day."

But if you want to enjoy the hot Houston weather, don't flirt with danger. Stay hydrated and rest in the shade when you need it.

The Houston Fire Department said it has responded to 68 temperature-related calls this year, compared to 55 during the same period last year. At least one person, Herbert Wayne Gaston, 57, died due to the heat this year.

HFD suggested the following safety tips for hot temperatures.

Before conducting outdoor activities and feeling thirsty, drink plenty of water and electrolyte-replacement beverages.
Avoid beverages or food sources with caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar because these can actually result in the loss of body fluid.
Conduct outdoor work or exercise in the early morning or evening when it is cooler. Individuals unaccustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment need to start slowly and gradually increase heat exposure over several weeks. Take frequent breaks in the shade or in an air-conditioned facility.
A wide-brimmed, loose-fitting hat that allows ventilation helps prevent sunburn and heat-related emergencies. A tight-fitting baseball cap is not the best choice when conducting strenuous outdoors activities. Sunscreen also helps protect injury from the sun's rays and reduces the risk of sunburn.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that permits the evaporation of perspiration.
Do not leave children, senior citizens or pets unattended in a vehicle.

An emergency room physician at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston said the most vulnerable people to the heat are the elderly and young children.

Dr. Richard Bradley said people should be in the air conditioning at least three to four hours a day, especially during the hottest times of day.

Heat Will Last For Days

There's no relief in sight from the heat. Wednesday has a forecast high of 100 degrees.

"We really haven't had any rain since those April 28 floods, so with just a trace of rain over the last eight weeks, and combine that with this record heat, it's not only miserable, it's getting dangerous," KPRC Local 2 chief meteorologist Frank Billingsley said.

Bush Intercontinental Airport reached a record 101 degrees on Tuesday. The previous record for June 23 was set in 1990 at 99 degrees.

Hobby Airport also set a record high with 98 degrees. The previous record was 97, set in 1998.

Burn Bans In Effect

A burn ban was issued for unincorporated areas of Harris County for 90 days.

Harris County Judge Ed Emmett issued a county disaster declaration Tuesday afternoon, banning the sale and use of all stick rockets and missiles with fins within Harris County.

Under state law, the ban remains in effect for 60 hours, until noon Friday, unless extended by Gov. Rick Perry.

Fort Bend County also announced an outdoor burning ban on Tuesday.

Montgomery County's burn ban begins on Wednesday. Certain aerial fireworks have also been restricted.

Chambers County also announced a burn ban beginning Tuesday.

Some Electric Companies Offer Breaks

Several electric companies are giving struggling customers a break in their electric bill during the heat wave.

State Rep. Sylvester Turner wants all companies to provide help, so he filed a petition with the Public Utility Commission, asking that all electric companies be required to offer breaks for elderly and sick customers this summer.

"We don't want anyone else dying this summer," Turner said.

The Public Utility Commission should issue a ruling on the petition within a couple of weeks.

Those needing help paying their electric bills can sign up for payment plans. Call TXU at 800-242-9113 or Reliant Energy at 866-RELIANT.