Full Notification

Heat Advisory

From Franklin County Emergency Management & Homeland Security

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Franklin County until 08-30-2024 08:00 PM. Tune to local media for further information. For heat safety tips click Franklin County Public Health, Columbus Public Health.

Cooling Centers

Columbus Recreation and Parks will open cooling centers at regional community centers; for information on locations and hours please Click Here. 

Extreme Heat Safety Tips

Franklin County Emergency Management and Homeland Security would like to offer the following safety preparedness information about extreme heat to help keep you and your family safe.

Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.

Avoid beverages that contain alcohol or caffeine, because they can add to dehydration and increase the effects of heat illnesses.

Never leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car. Cars can heat up to dangerous temperatures quickly. Even if the windows are cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes.

Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.

Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.

Electric fans may help, but fans will not prevent heat-related illness if temperatures are in the high 90s.

Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an airconditioned place is a better way to cool off.

Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body's thermostat will have a chance to recover.

Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.

Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.

Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

Be sure to think of your pets too. Provide plenty of fresh water and leave the water in a shady area. Bring your pet indoors where it is cooler when you can. Never leave an animal in the car on hot days.

Signs and Symptoms of Heat Related Illnesses

Heat-related illnesses such as heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke can strike at any time. Symptoms include dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, headache, absence of perspiration and dry, hot flushed skin. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.


Local Resources

Cooling assistance programs are available to qualifying people from several community organizations:

Breathing Association and OhioHealth Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

The Summer Crisis Program provides electric bill assistance and air conditioning units for elderly households and customers that quality. For more information call 614-969-0978 or Click Here

LifeCare Alliance Beat the Heat

Free fan program for households with immediate family members with chronic health conditions. Call the Fan Hotline at 614-437-2870 for details.  Click Here for more information

Impact Community Action

The HEAP Summer Crisis Program (SCP) provides electric utility assistance and/or free air conditioners and/or fans to income-eligible households throughout Columbus and Franklin County. The SCP runs from July 1 through August 30. Call 614-246-0019 or Click Here for more information

Franklin County Senior Options

Free fan program for current clients ages 60 years or older without a working air conditioner. Limited number of fans available. Clients who received a fan in the last two years are ineligible. For more information, call 614-525­-6200.

For additional heat information call 2-1-1, 3-1-1 or visit our website at www.fcemhs.org, Columbus Public Health website at www.columbus.gov/publichealth or Franklin County Public Health website at https://myfcph.org/resources/heat-safety/