The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued an excessive heat warning which is in effect until midnight Friday, July 8, 2022.
An Excessive Heat Warning is issued by the NWS when the heat index will be at 105 degrees or greater for two hours or more.
The Nashville Office of Emergency Management’s Emergency Support Unit (OEM ESU) will conduct heat patrols to check on vulnerable individuals. During these patrols they will provide water and arrange transportation to community partners offering shelter.
Metro Social Services
- Outreach teams conducting heat and water patrols to outdoor communities
- Teams are passing out water bottles
- Teams are passing out bug spray
- Teams are connecting those unhoused with medical care if we see them being affected by the heat
- Teams are passing out WeGo "Extreme Weather" bus passes
Metro Nashville Police Department
MNPD Officers are checking on vulnerable communities and distributing bottled water.
Community Partners
List of community partners helping people who want to get out of the heat.
Remember these tips
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
- 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.
Heat-Related Illnesses
Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and ways to respond. If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for advice and shelter in place if you can. If you are experiencing a medical emergency call 9-1-1.
Get more detailed information about heat-related illnesses from the CDC and National Weather Service.
Heat Stroke
Signs of Heat Stroke
- Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F) taken orally
- Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness
If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives. Do not give the person anything to drink.
Heat Cramps
Signs of heat cramps include muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs
Heat Exhaustion
Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, fast or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting
If you have signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, go to a cooler location and cool down by removing excess clothing and taking sips of sports drinks or water. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.
Associated Content
- Extreme Heat Information Sheet (PDF)
- Extreme Heat Safety Social Media Toolkit
- 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
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Extreme Heat
- National Integrated Heat Health Information System