Extreme Heat

• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
  • Heat cramps - Heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and may lead to heat exhaustion or stroke.
    Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms usually in legs and abdomen and Heavy sweating.
    • First Aid: Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea, then stop giving water. Seek immediate medical attention if cramps last longer than 1 hour.
  • Heat exhaustion - Symptoms include heavy sweating, weakness or tiredness, cool, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, headache, fainting, 
    • First Aid: Move person to a cooler environment, preferably a well air conditioned room. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths or have person sit in a cool bath. Offer sips of water. If person vomits more than once, Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour
  • Heat stroke - Symptoms may include: throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, body temperature above 103°F, hot, red, dry or damp skin, rapid and strong pulse, fainting, loss of consciousness.
    • First Aid: Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Delay can be fatal. Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment. Reduce body temperature with cool cloths or bath. Use fan if heat index temperatures are below the high 90s. A fan can make you hotter at higher temperatures. Do NOT give fluids.
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses. Using a fan to blow air in someone’s direction may actually make them hotter if heat index temperatures are above the 90s. For more information, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) site.
• Identify places in your community where you can go to get cool such as libraries and shopping malls or contact your local health department to find a cooling center in your area.
• Cover windows with drapes or shades.
• Weather-strip doors and windows.
• Use window reflectors specifically designed to reflect heat back outside.
• Add insulation to keep the heat out.
• Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing out hot air.
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
• If you are unable to afford your cooling costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through New Hanover County HHS for help.

• Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day. LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK.
• If air conditioning is not available in your home go to a cooling center.
• Take cool showers or baths.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
• If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face. 
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, during midday heat, if possible.
• Check on family members, seniors and neighbors.
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
• Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.
• If using a mask, use one that is made of breathable fabric, such as cotton, instead of polyester. Don’t wear a mask if you feel yourself overheating or have trouble breathing.

It is NEVER safe to leave a toddler, disabled person or pet locked in a car.

Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia, which occurs when the body absorbs more heat than it can handle. Hyperthermia can occur even on a mild day with temperatures in the 70s. Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to a dangerous level for children, pets and even adults. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate. The younger the child the more severe the effects because their bodies have not developed the ability to efficiently regulate its internal temperature. Get free downloadable flyers, banners, fact sheets, and more on infant and toddler car safety.

If you have a toddler in your household, lock your cars, even in your own driveway.  Kids play in cars or wander outside and get into a car and can die in 10 minutes! Thirty (30) children died in hot cars in 2022, a death was reported as early as April and tragedies continued into November. 

The National Safety Council (NSC) offers a 10-minute online training module "Children in Hot Cars" which has  a wealth of valuable information.

• National Weather Service Wilmington Weather Information
• San Jose State University Department of Meteorology & Climate Science (www.noheatstroke.org)
• Extreme Heat Information Sheet (PDF)
• Children, Pets and Vehicles (weather.gov)
• You Can Help Prevent Hot Car Deaths (NHTSA)
• Protective Actions Research for Extreme Heat
• National Weather Service Heat Safety Tips and Resources
• National Weather Service - Heat Illnesses
• National Integrated Heat Health Information System (heat.gov)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Extreme Heat
• Warning Signs and Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness