GEORGIA
— A prolonged heatwave is raising alarm in Georgia as the
heat index climbs above 100 degrees
, prompting
warnings about heat stroke and child safety
from public health officials and weather agencies.
The
National Weather Service (NWS)
warns that
north and central Georgia
could experience heat index values of
up to 105°F
, with dangerous conditions expected to continue through the weekend and into the coming week.
Red Cross Urges Caution in High Heat
In response, the
American Red Cross
is calling on residents to take urgent steps to avoid heat-related illnesses, particularly
heat stroke
, which can be fatal.
“First of all, we want people to have awareness of how the extreme heat can be debilitating,” said
Allison Flexner
, a spokesperson for the Red Cross.
“We also work closely with officials and community partners to open
cooling centers
if a request comes in,” she added.
The organization emphasized
never leaving children or pets inside parked vehicles
, where interior temperatures can skyrocket in minutes. According to the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
,
39 children died in hot cars across the U.S. in 2024
.
What to Watch For: Heat Stroke Symptoms
Heat stroke
begins when the
body’s core temperature reaches 104°F
, often after prolonged sun exposure without hydration.
The
Red Cross recommends
:
-
Drinking water
instead of sugary drinks, alcohol, or caffeine -
Limiting outdoor time
to
early morning or late evening hours
-
Taking frequent breaks
in shade or air-conditioned areas -
Wearing
light-colored, loose-fitting clothing
Children are particularly vulnerable, as their
body temperature can rise up to five times faster
than that of adults.
Signs of heat stroke include:
- Dizziness or nausea
- Fatigue, confusion, or headache
- Absence of sweat
- Hot, red skin
If any of these symptoms appear,
call 911 immediately
, officials advise.
Has extreme heat affected your Georgia community this summer?
Share your local experiences and tips at
SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com
