METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY

John Cooper OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Mayor 2060 15TH AVENUE SOUTH
NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE 37212

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 12, 2022

For further information contact:

Joseph Pleasant
Public Information Officer
Nashville Office of Emergency Management
Nashville Fire Department Phone: 615-880-2011
Joseph.Pleasant@Nashville.Gov Fax: 615-862-5463

Nashville Office of Emergency Management Reminds Everyone to Take

Precautions in Extreme Heat
High temperatures are forecast to reach the upper 90s with heat indexes of more than 100
degrees for multiple days

Nashville, TN (June 12, 2022) – The Nashville Office of Emergency Management is urging
everyone to take precautions during the week ahead due to forecast extreme heat. Also, please
check on vulnerable people including children and older adults.

This is especially important when working outside and doing strenuous work. Hydrate often, wear
light colored clothes and take frequent breaks in the shade.

The National Weather Service forecasts extreme heat for Metro Nashville and Davidson County
for much of the weekend and into next week.

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least
two to three days.

According to NWS, dangerous hot and humid conditions will develop during at least the first
part of next work week. Afternoon heat index values will climb up to as high as 105 degrees for
locations west of the Cumberland Plateau Region Monday through Wednesday afternoons.

In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to
death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-
related hazards.

Specific to cooling stations our protocol is to activate mobile or stationary cooling stations once
the heat index reaches 110 degrees for a prolonged period.

However, during extraordinary circumstances like several heat-related illness calls this plan can
be activated for the public safety.
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.
o If your doctor limits the amount 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.

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