To stay safe during heat waves in Carolina Forest, here are key tips based on the latest 2025 health guidelines:
Heat Wave Safety Tips for Carolina Forest
Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly—about one cup of water every hour and at least 2-3 liters per day—even if not thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks that can dehydrate you.​
Limit Outdoor Activities: Avoid strenuous physical activity, especially during peak heat hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. If you must be outdoors, take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.​
Wear Appropriate Clothing: Use lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothes, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses to reduce heat absorption and sun exposure. Apply sunscreen to protect your skin from harmful rays.​
Keep Cool Indoors: Use air conditioning or visit public cooling centers such as libraries or malls if your home is too hot. If air conditioning is not available, use electric fans when temperatures are below 104°F, and keep windows and blinds closed during the hottest parts of the day.​
Protect Vulnerable Individuals: Check on elderly neighbors, young children, pets, and people with chronic health conditions frequently during heat waves. Never leave children or pets unattended in parked cars.​
Know the Signs of Heat Illness: Symptoms like headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, or confusion require immediate action—move to a cooler place, hydrate, and seek medical help if necessary.​
Plan Ahead: Stay informed about heat alerts issued by local weather services and health departments, and develop a cooling plan especially if you live alone or in a home without AC.​
By following these practical steps, residents of Carolina Forest can reduce heat-related risks, stay comfortable, and protect themselves and their loved ones during extreme heat events in 2025.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/climate-change-heat-and-health)
[2](https://www.bpr.org/text/bpr-news/2025-07-29/were-in-a-heat-wave-heres-how-to-stay-cool-in-wnc)
[3](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)
[4](https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/blog/2025/07/31/stay-safe-heat-tips-protect-yourself)
[5](https://dph.sc.gov/news/south-carolina-gears-heat-safety-week-temperatures-rise)
