During heat waves in Spartanburg, residents are urged to take preventive measures to avoid heat exhaustion, dehydration, and sunstroke. The South Carolina Department of Public Health and the National Weather Service highlight that extreme heat poses severe health risks, especially to children, seniors, and outdoor workers.​
Key Safety Tips
Stay Hydrated: Drink water regularly, even if not thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, which can lead to dehydration.​
Dress Appropriately: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and wide-brimmed hats for sun protection.​
Avoid Peak Heat Hours: Limit outdoor activities between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun and humidity are strongest.​
Use Cooling Spaces: Spend time in air-conditioned buildings such as libraries, malls, or official cooling centers opened across Spartanburg and nearby counties during extreme heat.​
Check on Vulnerable Neighbors: Ensure elderly or immobile individuals have access to cooling and hydration.​
Never Leave Children or Pets in Cars: Even with windows cracked, car temperatures can rise dangerously within minutes.​
Recognizing Heat Illness
Be alert for symptoms such as dizziness, headache, rapid pulse, or nausea, which can indicate heat exhaustion. More severe signs—confusion, fainting, or extremely high body temperature—signal heat stroke, which requires immediate medical attention and cooling.​
Additional Local Resources
Cooling Stations: Spartanburg County opens temporary cooling centers during extreme heat advisories; check local media or county emergency alerts for updated locations.​
Public Alerts: Sign up for Spartanburg County Emergency Management alerts and NOAA Weather Notifications to stay informed about active heat warnings.
Emergency Contacts: For heat-related emergencies, call 911, and for health advice or shelter info, contact Spartanburg County DHEC office or local Red Cross chapter.​
Overall, the most effective strategy is to stay cool, hydrated, and informed—especially during multi-day heat waves that are becoming more common in upstate South Carolina.
SOURCES
[1](https://ndma.gov.in/Natural-Hazards/Heat-Wave/Dos-Donts)
[2](https://dph.sc.gov/news/south-carolina-gears-heat-safety-week-temperatures-rise)
[3](https://www.greenvilleonline.com/story/news/health/2025/06/24/greenville-spartanburg-anderson-heat-wave-peak-heat-cooling-stations-pickens-county-exhaustion/84318426007/)
[4](https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/extreme-heat-safety.html)
[5](https://www.facebook.com/SCDPH/posts/governor-henry-mcmaster-has-proclaimed-may-19-through-may-23-2025-as-south-carol/1002112922099340/)
