Residents of Bluffton, South Carolina, can stay safe during heat waves by following local guidance from the South Carolina Department of Public Health (DPH), the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), and the Bluffton Township Fire District. Extreme summer heat can lead to a high risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially for older adults, young children, and outdoor workers.
Immediate Safety Tips
Hydrate often: Drink water frequently, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine, or excess sugar, which can cause dehydration.
Stay cool: Spend the hottest hours (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) indoors in an air-conditioned or shaded space. If your home lacks air conditioning, visit a mall, library, or local cooling center designated by the Town of Bluffton during heat emergencies.
Dress smart: Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to stay cooler and allow sweat to evaporate properly.
Health Protection and Warning Signs
Recognize early heat illness: Watch for signs of heat cramps (muscle spasms) or exhaustion (fatigue, headache, dizziness, nausea). Move to a cool area, sip water or electrolyte drinks, and rest.
Treat heat stroke as an emergency: If someone faints, vomits, or stops sweating, call 911 immediately. While waiting for help, move them to a cool area, use wet cloths or a cool bath, and avoid giving fluids until medical personnel arrive.
Check on others: Look after vulnerable neighbors, those without AC, and outdoor workers, especially the elderly and infants.
Bluffton-Specific Alerts and Resources
The Bluffton Township Fire District advises residents to use fans and cool showers wisely—fans help at moderate temperatures but may worsen overheating in extreme conditions above 95°F indoors.
Beaufort County Emergency Management opens cooling centers and issues heat advisories when temperatures or heat indexes exceed 105°F, so residents should monitor local weather alerts via the National Weather Service Charleston office.
The Town of Bluffton regularly posts updates on Facebook about cooling shelter availability during heat surges.
Pet and Vehicle Reminders
Never leave children or pets in vehicles, even briefly. Car interiors can reach lethal temperatures rapidly, even on moderate days.
Ensure pets have shade, fresh water, and avoid walking them on hot pavement; if it’s too hot for your feet, it’s too hot for their paws.
Staying hydrated, limiting sun exposure, and staying informed through weather.gov/safety/heat or local DPH updates will help Bluffton residents remain safe during prolonged heat waves.
SOURCES
[1](https://www.blufftontoday.com/story/news/local/greenville/2025/06/20/heat-wave-coming-to-the-upstate-sc-forecast-tips-on-how-to-keep-cool/84287660007/)
[2](https://dph.sc.gov/news/south-carolina-gears-heat-safety-week-temperatures-rise)
[3](https://yourislandnews.com/bcso-take-precautions-during-upcoming-extreme-heat/)
[4](https://www.facebook.com/TownBlufftonSC/posts/cooling-shelters-are-available-today-monday-july-18-2025-if-you-or-anyone-you-kn/1173847568104298/)
[5](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)
