Skip all navigation Skip to page navigation

DHHS Home | A-Z Site Map | Divisions | About Us | Contacts | En Español

NC Department of Health and Human Services
NC Division of Public Health
 N.C. Public Health Home
 
 

2013 Summer Heat Emergency Data and Prevention Tips

Sun

When temperatures reach their peak, it is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. Normally, when you get hot, your body cools itself by sweating. But under some conditions, sweating just isn't enough. In such cases, a person's body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Heat illness includes: Heat Cramps external link, Heat Exhaustion external link and Heat Stroke external link.

Current Data on Heat-Related Illness in North Carolina

2013 North Carolina Heat Report Graphs (05/12/13 - 05/18/13; PDF, 339 KB) - Updated 05/21/13


Previous Data

At-Risk Populations

Many jobs and activities that require exposure to outside temperatures have the potential to place people at increased risk and hot temperatures can continue even into September. A few simple measures can help reduce your risk of heat-related illness.

Elderly people (65 years and older), infants and children and people with chronic medical conditions are more prone to heat-related illness than other individuals. It is important to take precautions in advance to prepare for hot weather.

General Tips to Avoid Heat-Related Illness on Hot Days

  • Drink plenty of water or fruit and vegetable juices. Avoid caffeine or alcohol.
  • Limit your time outdoors, especially in the afternoon when the day is hottest.
  • Be careful about exercising or doing a lot of activities when it is hot. Stay out of the sun, take frequent breaks, drink water or juice often, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
  • Dress for the weather. Loose-fitting, light-colored cotton clothes are cooler than dark colors or some synthetics.
  • If you live in a home without fans or air conditioning, open windows to allow air flow, and keep shades, blinds or curtains drawn in the hottest part of the day or when the windows are in direct sunlight. Try to spend at least part of the day in an air conditioned place like a shopping mall, a store, the library, a friend’s house, or the movies. Cool showers can help, too. Do not use a fan when the air temperature is above 95 degrees - it will blow hot air, which can add to heat stress.
  • Never leave a child or a disabled or elderly person or a pet in an unattended car, even with the windows down. A closed vehicle can heat up to dangerous levels in as little as ten minutes.

Additional Information