FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 25, 2025
Media Contact: Brookie Crawford, brookie.crawford@vdh.virginia.gov
Virginia Department of Health Offers Safety Tips to Beat the Heat
Extreme Temperatures Return to Virginia
RICHMOND, Va. – As Virginia gets blasted with another heat wave over the next few days, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH) reminds everyone to take steps to avoid heat-related illness.
During these hot summer months, heat-related illnesses are a real concern. So far this year (May 1 to July 24), there were 2,883 heat-related illness visits to emergency departments (ED) and urgent cares in Virginia. June 2025 recorded more visits than any previous month since tracking began in 2015, spiking on June 24 with 249 ED and urgent care visits in a single day.
“Extreme heat can make you very sick,” said State Health Commissioner Karen Shelton, MD. “We saw significant increases in emergency visits for heat-related illnesses in late June when temperatures and humidity surged. With the forecast calling for similar weather over the next few days, we urge everyone to be careful and take precautions. If your plan to beat the heat includes pool or beach time, please keep a close eye on children. We have seen a concerning rise in child drowning deaths this year.”
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion occur when your body is unable to cool itself. Your body sweats to cool itself. But when you sweat, you lose water and electrolytes. You must replace them to continue regulating your body temperature and keep it functioning properly. Age, weight, heart disease, poor circulation, alcohol, sunburn, and prescription drugs can also play a factor in how quickly your body can cool itself.
You can help your body stay cool with these tips:
- Drink water and plenty of it. Hydration is important. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. You need to replace the water you lose sweating.
- Stay inside. Being indoors offers air conditioning and a break from the heat. Don’t have AC? Visit 211 to find a cooling center near you. Before heading outside, check out the HeatRisk Forecast or the CDC Heat and Health Tracker. Know the difference between heat watch and heat warning.
- Limit physical activity to early morning or evening. Schedule your outdoor activities for the coolest times of the day. Take frequent breaks in the shade. Outdoor workers can prevent heat illness with acclimatization. To acclimatize, workers gradually increase their exposure time in hot environmental conditions over a seven- to 14-day period.
- Llevar sunscreen. Protect your body from the sun by wearing sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher). Reapply every two hours. Wear loose lightweight clothing, sunglasses, and a sun hat for protection.
- Never leave children or pets in cars. Temperatures inside the car can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes, even with the windows cracked. Make sure pets have plenty of water and shade.
- Check on others. Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses and know what to do. It could save a life. If someone has hot, red skin, a rapid, strong pulse, a body temperature of 103°F or higher, or loses consciousness, call 911 immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
In 2024, extreme heat was the leading cause of weather-related deaths. To date, Virginia has had one heat-related fatality this year.
Keep these tips in mind for a cool and healthy summer. Remember that your local health department can be a resource for summer safety.
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