Excessive Heat Awareness and Safety

News:

The NWS Heat Danger Awareness page is now available in Spanish. New
Leaving anyone in a closed vehicle on a warm day can quickly become deadly. Get informed about the dangers of leaving children in hot cars. New
Visit the National Weather Service's extensive heat information page for details on NWS products, heat-related hazards, safety, and symptoms of heat illnesses. New
Our heat danger awareness poster (pdf format) is also available in Spanish.
Check out the National Weather Service's excessive heat information and talking points page.
2010 was a record year for heat-related deaths of children in cars. See the KidsandCars.org site for more information.
More information on the dangers of leaving children and animals in hot cars. New
Check the tally of the maximum temperatures and estimated heat index values during the July-August 2006 heat wave.
Check out this Heat Events Guidebook, put together by the EPA, NOAA, and the DHS, to help you plan for and respond to excessive heat events.
A study published in the journal Pediatrics discusses heat stroke deaths of children in vehicles.
Read about Operation Fan / Heat Relief, an effort to assist the elderly in North Carolina.

Quick Links:
Current heat index at Raleigh-Durham, Greensboro, Fayetteville, and other locations
Related Links: Heat Index Climatology...Ozone Forecasts... UV Index Forecasts


Heat index chart	Local heat index forecasts	Extended heat index forecasts

Heat waves have caused more deaths, on average, in the last ten years than any other weather hazard, including tornadoes, hurricanes, and flooding (see stats). The National Weather Service's excessive heat alert program includes 7-day heat index forecasts and outlooks, heat advisories and warnings, and special weather statements, all accessible on our home page or via the links below. Don't be a statistic this summer.... BEAT THE HEAT!

Hydrate. Whether you feel thirsty or not, drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated, especially when you're working or exercising outside.
Educate yourself. Keep up with the latest temperature and heat index forecasts and current readings (take actions to stay cool and safe when the temperatures hits 85 degrees or the heat index hits 90 degrees). Know the warning signs of a heat illness, and how you can stay cool.
Act quickly when a heat illness is suspected. Seek medical attention immediately for any of these warning signs: cramping, rapid pulse, heavy sweating, hot red skin, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting.
Take it easy. Anyone working or exercising outdoors should avoid overexertion, especially between the hours of 11 am and 6 pm. Take hourly breaks in the shade or in air conditioning.

Important heat-related links:

Current Conditions and Forecasts

General Information, First Aid, and Heat Illness Prevention

Reference and Community Outreach Materials


National Weather Service Raleigh Forecast Office 1005 Capability Drive, Suite 300 Centennial Campus Raleigh, North Carolina 27606-5226 (919) 515-8209 Page author: Web Master's E-mail: rah.webmaster@noaa.gov Page Last Modified: 31 August 2011 03:25:37 UTC	USA.gov Disclaimer Credits Glossary Information Quality	FOIA Privacy Policy About Us Career Opportunities