MEDIA CONTACT
Alycia Davis, (531) 249-8079,
alycia.davis@nebraska.gov
Lincoln, NE – With temperatures expected to soar over 100 degrees this weekend in many parts of our state, the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is reminding residents to take precautions to stay safe during periods of extreme heat.
“Our great state has many wonderful outdoor activities to enjoy during the summer months, including visiting parks, camping, horseback riding, fishing, or spending a day at the zoo with friends and family," said Dr. Timothy Tesmer, DHHS Chief Medical Officer. “It is important to remember to stay safe in the heat by staying cool, staying hydrated, and staying informed."
Extreme heat can be dangerous. When both temperature and humidity rise, the body struggles to regulate its internal temperature. This can lead to a variety of heat-related illnesses, including sunburn, heat rash, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. In 2024, Nebraska saw an estimated 691 emergency department visits due to heat-related illness between May and September.
Heat-related illnesses are preventable. DHHS recommends the following safety tips:
Stay Cool
- NEVER leave children or pets unattended in vehicles. Always double-check that all occupants have exited before locking your car.
- Stay in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible. If you do not have air conditioning at home, consider visiting public spaces like libraries, malls, or designated cooling centers.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Limit outdoor activities to early morning or evening hours and take breaks in shaded areas.
- Use broad-spectrum or UVA/UVB sunscreen.
Stay Hydrated
- Drink plenty of fluids. Do not wait until you feel thirsty.
- Avoid sugary or alcoholic drinks, as they can increase dehydration.
- Ensure pets also have access to fresh water throughout the day.
Stay Informed
- Monitor local news for heat alerts.
- Learn to recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses and how to respond. Symptoms can include muscle cramping, unusually heavy sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, weakness, and/or nausea.
- If working outdoors, use a buddy system to check on co-workers frequently.
- Check on friends, family, and neighbors, especially those who live alone or who are more vulnerable to heat.
“While anyone can suffer from a heat-related illness, certain groups are at greater risk," said Dr. Tesmer. “These include adults over 65, infants and young children, individuals with chronic health conditions, people who work or exercise outdoors, and those without access to air conditioning. It is important to look out for each other during Nebraska's hottest months."
Know the Terms
Understanding heat-related alerts can help you and your family stay prepared:
- Heat Index: How hot it feels when relative humidity is added to the actual air temperature.
- Heat Advisory: Issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria.
- Extreme Heat Watch: Issued when conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event.
- Extreme Heat Warning: Issued when dangerous heat is happening or about to happen.
To help the public easily identify if temperatures over seven days could harm human health, the National Weather Service recently released the HeatRisk Dashboard, available at https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/heatrisk/.
Learn more about extreme heat and how to protect yourself and your loved ones this summer at https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/about/index.html.