Clark County, Health District Officials & Community Partners Launch Heat Safety Public Awareness Initiative

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
May 16, 2024

Clark County, the Southern Nevada Health District and community partners kicked off a public awareness initiative today to remind residents and visitors that Southern Nevada’s desert heat can be dangerous to people of all ages and to offer tips to stay safe as daytime temperatures in the region get closer to triple digits.

The effort, called “Beat the Heat SNV,” includes a section on the Health District’s website at www.snhd.info/BeatTheHeatSNV and public service announcements in English, Spanish and Tagalog created by Clark County Television. The public service announcements can be viewed on YouTube and other @ClarkCountyNV sites. They also will be shared with local media outlets and agency partners.

“Our goal is to raise public awareness about heat safety before our high temperatures really set in this summer,” said Clark County Commissioner Marilyn Kirkpatrick, who spearheaded the Beat the Heat effort as chair of the Southern Nevada Health District Board of Health, which includes officials from all local jurisdictions in Southern Nevada. “It’s important for residents to know that anyone can be affected by the heat if they aren’t prepared for it.”

According to the National Weather Service, Las Vegas averages 77 days a year of temperatures over 100 degrees, with an average high daily temperature of 105 in July. It’s hotter in Laughlin and Overton, with an average temperature in July of 110. Laughlin averages 116 days a year that hit 100 degrees or more; Overton averages 101 days a year of 100-plus temperatures. Most heat-related medical issues occur because people get overexposed to heat or over-exercise for their age and physical condition. Older adults, children and people with mental illness or chronic diseases have the highest risk of heat-related illnesses, according to Health District officials. Heat illness also can strike physically fit people, especially if participating in strenuous outdoor exercise in hotter weather. In 2023, heat was a factor in 307 deaths investigated by the Clark County Coroner & Medical Examiner’s Office, compared with 169 in 2022.

“I want to urge both residents and visitors to be prepared for the heat,” said Dr. Fermin Leguen, District Health Officer for the Southern Nevada Health District. “Have a plan in place for you and your family, and check on friends or neighbors who are older and may be more at risk of developing heat-related illness.”

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps and dizziness. Children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles. Temperatures in a car can rise to 120 degrees when outdoor temperatures are in the 90s. Clark County’s Animal Protective Services Division responds to more than 500 reports a year involving animals left unattended in vehicles, mostly in the summer months. County code prohibits people from leaving animals alone in cars during extreme heat. Reports can be made to the agency’s dispatch center at (702) 455-7710. Pets also are required to have access to lots of shade and water when outdoors.

Additionally, Clark County’s Social Service Department coordinates with community partners to activate daytime cooling stations throughout the community when excessive heat warnings are issued by the Las Vegas office of the National Weather Service. The cooling centers are open to people experiencing homelessness and others in the community in need of cool, indoor spaces for respite from the heat. Locations typically include area community centers, libraries and senior centers. Anyone may dial 2-1-1 to find locations or visit www.HelpHopeHome.org. Additionally, area churches or community groups interested in serving as a cooling center location are encouraged to contact Help Hope Home by email at helphopehome@clarkcountynv.gov. Providers are asked to be willing to open their doors to provide an air-conditioned area for those in need of respite at least six times a year, provide fresh drinking water and be open generally from the hours of 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. There is a particular need for cooling stations on holidays and weekends.

These safety tips also are recommended to cope with the region’s heat:

Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Limit intake of alcoholic beverages, which contribute to dehydration.
Always carry plenty of water with you and a mobile phone. You never know what might happen during the day that could keep you outdoors longer than anticipated.

Remember to “look before you lock.” Children should never be left alone in a vehicle for any amount of a time, even for a quick errand or quick trip into the home.

Dress for hot weather. Clothing that is loose, lightweight and light-colored reflects heat and sunlight.
Use sunscreen with a high SPF to protect against sunburn and skin cancer.
Look in on friends and family, especially the elderly who may need help adjusting to the heat.
Limit errands and outdoor activities to before noon or in the evening to avoid being out during the hottest part of the day.
Always assign a designated water watcher when children are near a pool or any body of water; install barriers between your home and pool; and enroll children in swimming lessons. Additional drowning prevention information is on the Southern Nevada Health District’s website at https://tinyurl.com/2p85xryk.

About Clark County: Clark County is a dynamic and innovative organization dedicated to providing top-quality service with integrity, respect and accountability. With jurisdiction over the world-famous Las Vegas Strip and covering an area the size of New Jersey, Clark is the nation’s 11th-largest county and provides extensive regional services to 2.4 million citizens and 43 million visitors a year. Included are the nation’s 7th-busiest airport, air quality compliance, social services and the state’s largest public hospital, University Medical Center. The County also provides municipal services that are traditionally provided by cities to 1 million residents in the unincorporated area. Those include fire protection, roads and other public works, parks and recreation, and planning and development.

The Southern Nevada Health District serves as the local public health authority for Clark County, Boulder City, Henderson, Las Vegas, Mesquite and North Las Vegas. The agency safeguards the public health of the community’s residents and visitors through innovative programs, regulations, and initiatives focused on protecting and promoting their health and well-being. More information about the Health District, its programs, services, and the regulatory oversight it provides is available at www.SNHD.info. Follow the Health District on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.