Hot Weather Resources

Know where you can go to escape the heat

Orange County keeps a list of public places that you can go to get air conditioning and stay out of the heat. Scroll to the top of this page for a list of those places and the hours that they are open. When making outdoor plans, think about where you can go to take a break from the heat. 

Keep your house cool.

Try to keep your house cool by:

• Cover your windows with shades
• Weather-strip doors and windows
• Use window reflectors like aluminum foil-covered cardboard
• Add insulation to your home
• Install window air conditioners

Make a Plan

Know what you and your family will do when the power goes out in the summer. Build an emergency kit and stock it with extra water for the summer season. 

Never Leave People or Animals in Your Car

In the summer, the inside of your car can become much hotter than outside. This creates a safety risk to anyone left inside the car. 

Be Smart When Outside

If you are outside, find shade and wear lightweight, light-colored clothing. Make sure you are drinking plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid very strenuous activities when it is very hot outside to reduce your risk of heat-related illness. Take breaks from the heat by finding places with air conditioning like shopping malls, grocery stores, community centers, or libraries.

Do Not Rely on Fans to Cool Off

Although fans may make you feel cool, they do not reduce your body temperature. This can make heat even more dangerous by creating a false sense of comfort. 

Pay Attention to the Forecast

Before spending a long time outdoors, make sure to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Follow trusted weather sources like weather.gov and sign up for emergency alerts at ocalertsnc.com.  Remember to check the heat index (feels like temperature) to understand how the heat and humidity may affect you.