Summer Heat Safety: Know the Warning Signs of Heat-Related Illnesses

As Central Florida braces for rising summer temperatures, it is important to recognize the early symptoms of heat‑related illnesses and when to act. Knowing the warning signs will help you and your loved ones stay safe and healthy this summer.

Most vulnerable to heat-related illnesses include older adults, infants and children; people with chronic illnesses or certain medications; outdoor workers, including construction, landscaping and delivery staff; and residents experiencing homelessness or without access to air-conditioned shelter.

Heat illness exists on a spectrum — from heat cramps to heat exhaustion to life‑threatening heat stroke. Knowing how to quickly recognize symptoms of each can save lives.

Heat Cramps

Symptoms of heat cramps include intense muscle spasms or pain, typically in the legs or abdomen, often accompanied by heavy sweating. These cramps occur during physical activity when salt and water levels drop. If you experience these symptoms, stop activity, sip water or a sports drink, and rest in the shade. If symptoms persist beyond one hour, seek medical advice.

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms include profuse sweating, weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, cool, pale, clammy skin, fast, weak pulse, and fainting. It may also include a slightly elevated body temperature (up to about 104°F). If you experience any of these symptoms, move into a cool or air‑conditioned space, loosen clothing, cool the body with wet clothes or a fan, and hydrate slowly. If symptoms worsen or persist beyond one hour or vomiting occurs, call a doctor.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is considered a medical emergency whose danger signs include body temperature above 104°F; hot, red, dry or damp skin; rapid, strong pulse; confusion; dizziness; slurred speech; loss of consciousness. Sweating may be absent in classic cases. Other severe signs include hallucinations, seizures and organ dysfunction.

Without fast medical action, heat stroke can result in permanent disability or death. If you are with someone who is experiencing these symptoms, call 911 immediately, bring the person indoors or to shade, and start cooling with wet towels, ice packs or fans, but do not give fluids. Stay with them until emergency responders arrive.

To avoid these heat-related illnesses, Orange County is urging residents to monitor local heat warnings and heat index levels; stay hydrated and replace salts if sweating heavily; wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing; schedule outdoor activities outside peak heat hours; and use cooling centers, libraries or malls if home AC is not available.

For heat-related emergencies, call 911 immediately. For heat safety tips, go to #GetSummerReady. For current heat advisories, visit the National Weather Service.