Beat the Heat

Summer in Raleigh is great for being outdoors. But extreme heat is one of the deadliest weather hazards in the United States, claiming more lives every year than hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods combined. With National Heat Awareness Day on May 29, it's a good reminder that a little preparation goes a long way.

Why Extreme Heat Is Dangerous

When it's hot, your body works overtime to stay cool. High humidity makes things worse by slowing down how quickly you can sweat. If your body can't keep up, heat exhaustion or heat stroke can set in fast.

Some people face greater risks. Those most vulnerable include:

• Older adults (65 and older)
• Infants and young children
• Pregnant people
• People with chronic conditions such as heart disease or diabetes
• People who work or exercise outdoors
• People without access to air conditioning

Know the Signs

Quickly recognizing heat-related illness can save a life. Anyone can experience heat illness or death. Here's what to watch for:

Heat Exhaustion

• Thirst
• Heavy sweating
• Muscle cramping
• Headaches
• Shortness of breath
• Cold, pale, or clammy skin
• Weakness, dizziness, or nausea
• Fast but weak pulse

What to do: Move to a cool place and loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths and sip cool water. Seek medical help if symptoms don't improve within an hour.

Heat Stroke

• Confusion
• Body temperature above 103°F
• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Loss of consciousness

What to do: Call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Move the person to a cool place, loosen clothing and remove extra layers, and cool them down with water or ice. Ice packs placed at the neck, groin, or armpits can accelerate cooling.

How to Stay Safe

Protect yourself and others from summer heat risks by taking the following steps.

Stay cool

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If you don't have AC at home, visit a library, shopping mall, or community center during the day.
• Use fans but know their limits. Fans don't prevent heat illness above 95°F; and take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.

Stay hydrated

• Drink more water than usual and don't wait until you're thirsty.
• Avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, and caffeine, which cause you to lose more fluid.
• If you're sweating heavily, sports drinks or electrolyte replacements can help.

Be smart outdoors

• Schedule outdoor activity for early morning or evening.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen.
• Rest in shady areas and take frequent breaks.

Look out for others

• Check in on older neighbors and those who live alone.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked car. Temperatures inside can reach dangerous levels within minutes.
• If you see signs of heat stroke in someone, call 911 right away.

Cooling Centers in Raleigh

During extreme heat events, Wake County opens cooling centers so residents can escape the heat. The City also will share which community centers and libraries across Raleigh serve as safe, air-conditioned spaces to get out of the heat. Keep an eye out for information on them.

Stay Informed

Monitor forecasts from the National Weather Service and sign up for weather alerts. Know what the alert levels mean:

• Extreme Heat Watch
  Be Prepared: extreme heat possible within 24-72 hours
• Heat Advisory
  Take Action: heat index expected to reach 100-104°F
• Extreme Heat Warning
  Take Action: heat index at or above 105°F. Take action immediately.

Summer Safety Series Starts June 2

Raleigh Police, Raleigh Fire, and Raleigh Parks, along with other partners, are teaming up for a free Summer Safety Series. Sessions run most Tuesdays from June 2 through Aug. 4 at Millbrook Exchange Community Center.

Also, check out the Ready Raleigh emergency preparedness guide for more resources to keep your family safe this season. Raleigh's biggest climate risks are heat and flooding, and the city uses its Climate Action Plan to help protect residents as high-heat days become more common.