Extreme heat updates

Latest advisories, watches, and warnings

​The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Danville and Pittsylvania County that will be in effect on Friday, July 28, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. A heat advisory means high humidities are expected to combine with hot temperatures to make it feel like it is 105 degrees or greater. This combination will increase the likelihood of heat illnesses. If you need shelter, call this number: 434-799-5111, option 8. We will direct citizens in need to available locations.

Graphic - practice heat safety

What you should do when the weather is extremely hot

Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS). 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. Postpone outdoor games and activities. 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. ​
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​Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician. Drink plenty of water; even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake. Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.​
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​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. Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks. Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

Never leave kids & older adults alone in vehicles 

On a warm day, temperatures can rapidly rise to dangerous levels. Even with the windows slightly open, the temperature in a car on a 93-degree day can soar to 125 degrees in just 20 minutes and approximately 140 degrees in 40 minutes. Use the following life saving tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to remind yourself and others to check the back seat before walking away from a vehicle::​

• Look Before You Lock. Get into the routine of always checking the back seat of your vehicle before you lock it and walk away.
​• A Gentle Reminder. Keep a stuffed animal or other memento in your child’s car seat when it is empty, and move it to the front seat as a visual reminder when your child is in the back seat. Alternatively, place your phone, briefcase, or purse in the back seat when traveling with your child.
​• A Routine Check. If someone else is driving your child, or you alter your daily routine, always check to make sure your child has arrived safely.
​• A Key to Safety. You know to keep your vehicle locked, but also keep your keys out of reach; nearly 3 in 10 heatstroke deaths happen when an unattended child gains access to a vehicle. 

Keep your pets safe too in vehicles

Rolling down the windows has little effect on the temperature inside a car. High temps can cause organ damage and even death for our furry friends.
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​If your pet shows any of the following signs contact your veterinarian immediately:
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​• Heavy panting
​• Glazed eyes
​• Rapid heartbeat
​• Vomiting
​• Fever
​• Dizziness
​• Restlessness
​• Excessive thirst
​• Profuse salivation
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​Take steps to reduce the animal’s body temperature, apply ice packs or cold towels to the head, neck and chest; provide water and ice cubes for hydration; and move the animal into the shade or air-conditioning.

If you see a child or pet alone in a parked car on a hot day, call 9-1-1.