To stay safe during heat waves in Sumter, South Carolina in 2025, follow these key safety tips:
Stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, about a cup every hour, and avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks.
Spend time in air-conditioned places such as malls, libraries, or designated cooling centers. If home air conditioning is unavailable or insufficient, plan where to cool off.
Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Schedule exercise or outdoor work for early morning or late evening.
Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing. Use sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect from UV exposure.
Never leave children, older adults, or pets unattended in parked vehicles, even for a few minutes, as temperatures inside a car can rise dangerously fast.
Check on neighbors, especially vulnerable populations like older adults, young children, and those with underlying health conditions, to ensure they have access to cool places and hydration.
Learn to recognize heat-related illness symptoms such as heat cramps, exhaustion, or heat stroke. Move affected individuals to a cool place and provide water. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen.
Be mindful of pets during heat waves; ensure they have shade, fresh water, and avoid walking them on hot pavements to prevent burns.
Prepare for power outages by keeping medications cool and equipment charged in case of heat waves combined with electricity issues.
Following these precautions helps reduce the risks posed by extreme heat and keeps the community safer during heat wave events in Sumter.
SOURCES
(https://www.redcross.org/local/south-carolina/about-us/news-and-events/press-releases/sweltering-heat–red-cross-shares-safety-tips-to-stay-cool-in-so.html)
(https://dph.sc.gov/news/dph-offers-tips-beating-heat-temperatures-rise)
(https://dph.sc.gov/news/south-carolina-gears-heat-safety-week-temperatures-rise)(https://www.nbcnews.com/weather/heat/heat-wave-safety-tips-rcna214263)(https://cnr.ncsu.edu/news/2025/06/5-tips-to-stay-safe-outdoors-in-extreme-heat/)
