Governor Stein proclaims North Carolina Heat Safety Week
RALEIGH, NC (WWAY) — Gov. Josh Stein has proclaimed May 18–22, 2026, as North Carolina Heat Safety Week, highlighting the growing risks of extreme heat and encouraging residents to take steps to protect themselves during the state’s heat season, which runs from May 1 through September 30.
The proclamation aims to raise awareness about the health dangers associated with high temperatures and to spotlight state and local programs designed to help communities respond to extreme heat.
“Being resilient to extreme heat means understanding how it can affect you and your community,” Stein said. “All North Carolinians can take actions to protect themselves and their families, employers can protect their workers, and local governments can protect their residents.”
State officials pointed to rising heat-related health impacts across North Carolina. In 2025, more than 5,700 heat-related emergency department visits were recorded, and last July ranked as the second-warmest July in state history.
Experts say vulnerable populations—including outdoor workers, older adults, infants and children, pregnant people, athletes, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those with underlying health conditions—face the highest risk during extreme heat events.
State agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) and the State Resilience Office, are expanding efforts to help local governments prepare for and respond to extreme heat. These include guidance for establishing cooling centers, public outreach tools, and the Heat Action Plan Toolkit, developed in partnership with Duke University’s Heat Policy Innovation Hub and other organizations. Eighteen local governments have completed the Planning for Extreme Heat Cohort program to date.
Public health leaders also emphasized prevention and awareness. Symptoms of heat-related illness can include heavy sweating, dizziness, headache, nausea, muscle cramps, and fainting.
“We encourage everyone to sign up for heat health alerts, know the symptoms of heat-related illness and protect your health this summer,” said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai.
As part of its ongoing response, NCDHHS is also operating the NC Heat Health Alert System, which sends free email alerts when dangerous heat conditions are expected. Residents can sign up to receive notifications based on their county.
In addition, Operation Fan Heat Relief is currently underway through October 31, 2026, providing free fans to eligible older adults through local aging agencies to help residents stay cool during the hottest months of the year.
