The Fulton County Board of Health published a heat safety advisory on Thursday, July 16, urging residents to take precautions as temperatures in the Alpharetta and Milton area approach 90°F through the weekend of July 19-20.
The advisory, written by Board of Health spokesperson Tia McCullough, notes that Georgia averages approximately 20 extreme heat days per year, up from about 12 days annually in the 1960s. The agency defines extreme heat as 90°F or higher for two or more consecutive days. While this week's forecast sits just below that threshold, health officials say conditions can still cause heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
Statewide, about 2,400 Georgians are treated in emergency departments or hospitalized each year for heat-related illness, and approximately 20 die, according to the advisory.
Who faces the greatest risk
The Board of Health identified older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, outdoor workers, people with chronic medical conditions, and anyone without access to air conditioning as most vulnerable. Heat stroke in vehicles remains the leading cause of non-crash-related fatalities among children 14 and younger, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Safety steps
The Fulton County Board of Health recommends residents:
- Drink water regularly, even when not thirsty
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Limit outdoor activity between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Spend time in air-conditioned spaces or cooling centers
- Check on elderly neighbors and people with limited mobility
- Never leave children or pets in a vehicle, even briefly
Outdoor workers should take breaks in shade or air conditioning and drink water every 15 to 20 minutes. Parents and caregivers should ensure children take frequent hydration breaks during outdoor play.
Finding a cooling center
Residents who need a cooling center can call 211 to locate the nearest one. A full Heat Safety Guide with symptoms, prevention tips, and worker resources is available at fultoncountyboh.com.
For residents planning time on the Big Creek Greenway, at Wills Park, or at Downtown Alpharetta's Town Green splash pads, the Board of Health's guidance is straightforward: schedule outdoor activity for early morning or after 4 p.m., carry water, and watch for signs of overheating in children and older adults.
By 2050, Georgia is projected to experience 50 extreme heat days per year, according to the advisory.
