The Fulton County Board of Health issued a heat safety advisory on Thursday, July 16, urging Johns Creek residents to protect themselves as Georgia faces a growing number of extreme heat days each summer.
About 2,400 Georgians end up in emergency rooms or hospitals each year from heat-related illness, and roughly 20 die, according to the advisory. The board defines extreme heat as temperatures hitting 90°F or higher for two or more consecutive days.
Georgia averages about 20 such days annually, up from roughly 12 per year in the 1960s. By 2050, that number is projected to reach 50 days per year, the advisory states.
Forecasts for the Johns Creek area the week of July 14 show highs between 85 and 90 degrees with high humidity and afternoon thunderstorms. Those temperatures fall just below the board's extreme-heat threshold but are warm enough to pose risks for vulnerable residents.
Who is most at risk
The advisory, authored by Tia McCullough of the Fulton County Board of Health, identifies several groups at elevated risk: older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, people with chronic medical conditions, and anyone without access to air conditioning.
Vehicle heat stroke remains the leading cause of non-crash-related fatalities among children 14 and younger, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The board urged residents to never leave children or pets in a vehicle, even briefly.
Know the warning signs
The board's companion Heat Safety Guide breaks heat illness into four levels of severity:
- Heat stroke — confusion, loss of consciousness, seizures. Call 911 immediately.
- Heat exhaustion — heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, rapid pulse. Move to a cool area and apply cool compresses.
- Heat cramps — painful muscle cramps from electrolyte loss.
- Heat rash — skin irritation from excessive sweating.
How to stay safe
The advisory recommends drinking water regularly even when not thirsty, wearing lightweight and light-colored clothing, and limiting outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Outdoor workers should take shade breaks and drink water every 15 to 20 minutes.
Residents can call 211 to find a nearby cooling center. The board also asks neighbors to check on elderly residents and those with limited mobility during heat events.
The full Heat Safety Guide is available at fultoncountyboh.com.
