Tips
- Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids like water, even if you’re not thirsty.
- Wear light-weight, loose-fitting clothing.
- Stay cool by staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day.
- Schedule outdoor activities carefully and wear sunscreen.
- If you exercise outdoors, go in the morning or evening hours.
- Eat light, regular meals — avoid hot foods and heavy meals.
- Never leave anyone — infants, children, or pets — in a parked car.
- Know the signs of heat-related illness — these include:
- An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
- Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating)
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
Extreme Heat
Extreme Heat often results in the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards. In most of the United States, extreme heat is defined as a long period (2 to 3 days) of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees. In extreme heat, evaporation is slowed and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. This can lead to death by overworking the human body. For more information on how to prepare, how to stay safe, and how to respond to signs of heat-related illness, visit Ready.gov’s Extreme Heat section.
Power Outages and Avoiding “Brownouts”
- Heat waves increase electricity demand and can result in voltage reductions or “brownouts.” Take steps to conserve energy during periods of unusually high demand. Read tips on conserving power, both at home and in the office. Anything we can do to reduce electric consumption helps us — and everyone in the region — avoid power interruptions.
- Report & Check Outages using Dominion Energy’s site
- In the event of an outage, practice food safety and know When to Save It and When to Throw It Out (Foodsafety.gov)
Spraygrounds in Arlington
Arlington’s four Spraygrounds are open Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend (hours may be extended during extreme heat). Find a sprayground near you.
Cool Spots Around Arlington
- All County facilities — including Community Centers and Arlington Public Libraries — are air-conditioned and open to the public
- Community Use Pools (managed by Arlington Public Schools)
- Powhatan Springs Park (features a Children’s Rain Garden)
- Ocean Dunes Waterpark at Upton Hill Park (managed by NOVA Parks)
- MedStar Capitals Iceplex (open to the public 7 a.m. – 11 p.m. M-F and 8 a.m. – 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday)
Cooling Assistance
Arlington County provides assistance with home cooling expenses (applications must be filed annually).
- Repairs or purchases cooling equipment and/or pays for electricity to operate cooling equipment
- Completed applications are accepted June 15th through August 15th. Benefit amount is determined by the state and differs each year.
- Bill Assistance: Arlington also administers Virginia’s Cooling Assistance Program, which provides relief from summer cooling bills for qualifying Arlington households. Applications may be obtained and submitted June 15-Aug. 15 at 2100 Washington Blvd., First Floor, Arlington, VA 22204. For more information call 703-228-1350.
At-Risk Groups — Children, Teens & Seniors
- Heat Illness in Children (Kids Health)
- Safety Tips for Fun in the Sun (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- Dehydration (Teens Health)
- Heat and exercise: Keeping cool in hot weather (Mayo Clinic)
- Hyperthermia is the general name given to a variety of heat-related illnesses. The two most common forms of hyperthermia are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. (NIH)
Keep Pets Safe in Summer
Animal Welfare League of Arlington offers tips to help keep pets safe in hot temperatures. The Humane Society of the United States also has how and where to cool animals down when temperatures soar.
Summer Camp Program Weather Policy
- When the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments issues a Code Red or Code Purple advisory:
- Summer Camps will cancel outdoor activities and outdoor field trips (including swim trips). Alternative indoor activities will be offered.
- In the event of thunder, lightning, heavy rain or severe conditions:
- Summer Camps will cancel outdoor activities and outdoor field trips unless conditions improve. Alternative indoor activities will be offered.
Additional Resources
- Centers for Disease Control:
- Virginia Department of Emergency Management: Extreme Heat
- Recognizing Heat Stress – English (Printable Quick Card) (OSHA)
