To stay safe during heat waves in Charleston, follow these essential tips:
Hydration and Diet
Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if not thirsty, and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks, which cause dehydration.
Eat small, light meals more often rather than large, hot, or heavy meals.
Staying Cool
Spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned places—public libraries, malls, or cooling centers—especially if home air conditioning is unavailable.
Take cool showers or baths for additional relief.
Avoid outdoor activities during the hottest hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) and postpone strenuous tasks until the evening or early morning.
Safe Clothing and Skin Protection
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to reflect heat, and avoid dark colors.
Use wide-brimmed hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses if going outdoors; avoid sunburn as it hinders the body’s ability to cool itself.
Monitoring Vulnerable People and Pets
Check on elderly neighbors, young children, those who are ill, and pets often—they are most at risk.
Never leave children, vulnerable adults, or pets unattended in vehicles, even for a short time.
Planning and First Aid
Stay tuned to weather alerts and heat advisories on local news or weather apps.
Learn the symptoms of heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, nausea, dizziness, muscle cramps) and heat stroke (confusion, flushed skin, rapid pulse) and seek medical attention immediately if they occur.
Have a plan for power outages: know where to go and ensure emergency kits are stocked and accessible.
Following these steps helps prevent heat-related illnesses and ensures safety for everyone in Charleston during periods of extreme heat.
SOURCES
[1](https://abcnews4.com/news/local/tips-to-stay-safe-in-sweltering-conditions-as-lowcountry-braces-for-intense-heat-wciv-abc-news-4-charleston-county-south-carolina-heat-wave-tips-for-staying-cool)
[2](https://dicommunity.org/announcements/heat-safety-tips-resources/)
[3](https://dph.sc.gov/news/south-carolina-gears-heat-safety-week-temperatures-rise)
[4](https://today.charleston.edu/2025/06/20/tips-for-keeping-cool-in-a-heat-wave/)
[5](https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/extreme-heat-safety.html)
