With a dangerous heat wave expected to bring temperatures of over 100 degrees to North Carolina over Fourth of July weekend, the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is urging caution when spending time outdoors or in areas that are not air-conditioned.
Individuals are encouraged to drink plenty of water and be alert for signs of heat-related illness due to extreme temperatures that, combined with humidity, could feel like 110 degrees.
According to information provided by NCDHHS, more than 1,800 emergency department visits for heat-related illness were documented between May 1 and June 28, which is above the average of 1,363 heat-related illness ER visits in the same time period over the previous five years.
“Heat-related illnesses can affect anyone, regardless of age or physical condition, so it’s important for everyone to stay alert when spending time outside over the holiday,” NCDHHS State Epidemiologist Dr. Zack Moore said. “Recognizing the symptoms of heat illness early is key to preventing serious complications.”
Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, heavy sweating, and nausea. If you are experiencing these symptoms, move to a cooler area, sip cool water, and seek medical help if symptoms do not improve. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency.
Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, slurred speech, and loss of consciousness. If you or someone you know is showing signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately, move to a cooler area, loosen clothing and remove extra layers, and use water/ice and cold, wet towels to cool the entire body.
To help prevent heat-related illness, the NCDHHS Heat Health Alert System sends out alerts when the forecast is projected to reach unhealthy levels. From May 1 to June 29 of this year, more than 692 county-level alerts were distributed in English and Spanish across the state.
Visit tinyurl.com/bdd55wry to sign up for heat alerts.
NCDHHS also recommends the following tips to stay safe in hot weather:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Avoid or reduce alcohol and caffeine intake.
- Limit time outside: Avoid outdoor activity during the hottest parts of the day if possible. Wear light, loose clothing and take frequent breaks in shade or air conditioning.
- Seek air conditioning: If you don’t have air conditioning and it’s hotter than 95 degrees, go to a public building where it’s cooler.
- Look out for others: Check in on family, friends, and co-workers to make sure they are hydrating and staying cool.
- Stay informed: Sign up for NCDHHS heat alerts and stay updated on local weather forecasts so you can safely plan outdoor activities.
The NCDHHS Division of Public Health continues to provide reports and outreach to minimize extreme heat impacts. In addition to the Heat-Related Illness Surveillance System and Heat Health Alert System, the NCDHHS Climate and Health Team offers the following services to prevent heat-related illness:
- Conducting outreach to local health departments and at community events and conferences to distribute heat health resources and increase awareness of the Heat Health Alert System.
- Creating free, shareable education and communications materials (available online at
- ) on the dangers of extreme heat and how to stay safe.
- Distributing educational materials to populations at risk of extreme heat exposure, including water bottles, cooling towels, and hats that include guidance on heat prevention strategies.
- Supporting the N.C. Department of Environmental Quality’s State Resilience Office in planning and leading the Extreme Heat Cohort Program for local governments and partners to develop a heat action plan.
— JM
