Nashville OEM Urges Caution During Fourth of July Celebrations Due to Dangerous Heat

The City of Nashville is excited to celebrate Independence Day with the annual "Let Freedom Sing!" event but is urging residents and visitors to take precautions as dangerous heat is forecasted for Wednesday and Thursday, July 4th. Wednesday the National Weather Service forecasts a 30% chance of showers and thunderstorms after 1 pm. The rest of the day is expected to be sunny and hot, with a high near 98 degrees.

On July 4th there is a 40 % chance of showers, with thunderstorms also possible after 10am. The weather will be mostly sunny, with a high near 96 degrees.

When factoring in humidity the heat indexes are expected to approach 110 degrees. The extreme heat can pose serious health risks, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The Nashville of Office of Emergency Management Emergency Support Unit (ESU) will conduct heat patrols during the week.

During heat patrols OEM and the ESU members will go into areas where unhoused people are known to gather, check on construction sites, and outdoor workers.

They will offer water and if needed connect individuals to appropriate resources if they want to get out of the heat.

Please remember to advise any staff that must be outdoors to stay hydrated and take breaks as needed.

There is also a chance for severe weather during the holiday celebrations. Remember to stay weather aware and monitor weather alerts from Metro Nashville and local news sources.

Safety Tips for Heat Protection:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages.
• Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
• Seek Shade: Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas whenever possible.
• Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 and reapply every two hours.
• Know the Signs: Be aware of the symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and fainting. If you or someone else is experiencing these symptoms, move to a cooler location and seek medical attention immediately.

The "Let Freedom Sing!" event will feature live music, fireworks, and a variety of family-friendly activities.

"While we are thrilled to celebrate our nation's independence with our community, the safety of our residents and visitors is our top priority," Nashville Fire Department and Nashville Office of Emergency Management Director Chief William Swann said. "We encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and cool during the festivities."

Stay safe, stay cool, and enjoy the Fourth of July celebrations!

Other Heat Safety Tips:

• Limit outdoor activity
• Drink Lots of water
• Avoid alcohol
• Wear light clothing
• Wear sunscreen while outdoors
• Never leave children, pets or the elderly inside a parked vehicle
• Work Outdoors in the early mornings and evenings

Visit the National Weather Service for more tips and resources.

Video on Heat Safety Explained

Things to remember during this expected period of extreme heat:

For Children:

• Never leave your child alone in a car, not even for a minute or if the car is running.
• Keep your car locked when you are not in it, so kids don't gain access.
• Create reminders by putting something in the back seat next to your child, such as a briefcase, purse, cell phone or your left shoe.
• If you see a child alone in a car, call 911.
• Set a calendar reminder on your electronic device to make sure you dropped your child off at daycare; develop a plan so you will be alerted if your child is late or a no-show.

For Older Adults:

• People aged 65 years or older do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• Older adults should stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. If your home doesn't have air conditioning, contact your local health department, or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area like city community centers, libraries, and other public buildings.
• Do not rely on a fan as your main cooling source when it's extremely hot outside.
• Drink more water than usual and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
• If your doctor limits the number of fluids, you drink or has you on water pills, ask them how much you should drink during hot weather.
• Don't use the stove or oven to cook-it will make you and your house hotter.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
• Do not engage in very strenuous activities and get plenty of rest.
• Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you.

For Pets:

You should also pay close attention to your pets during the hot and humid days ahead.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) you should know:

• Pets can get dehydrated quickly, so give them plenty of fresh, clean water when it's hot or humid outdoors.
• Make sure your pets have a shady place to get out of the sun, be careful not to over-exercise them, and keep them indoors when it's extremely hot.
• Know the symptoms of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse. Symptoms can also include seizures, bloody diarrhea, and vomit along with an elevated body temperature of over 104 degrees.
• Animals with flat faces, like Pugs and Persian cats, are more susceptible to heat stroke since they cannot pant as effectively. These pets, along with the elderly, the overweight, and those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.
• Never leave your animals alone in a parked vehicle.
• When the temperature is very high, don't let your dog linger on hot asphalt. Being so close to the ground, your pooch's body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

Metro Nashville's Action Commission has programs available to help with energy assistance.

Know the Signs of Heat Illnesses:

Heat Exhaustion

• Dizziness
• Thirst
• Heavy Sweating
• Nausea
• Weakness

Act Fast

• Move to cooler area
• Loosen clothing
• Sip cool water
• Seek medical help if symptoms don't improve

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke.

Heat Stroke

• Confusion
• Dizziness
• Becomes Unconscious

Act Fast

• Call 911
• Move person to cooler area
• Loosen clothing and remove extra layers
• Cool with water or ice

Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

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