Preparing for Extreme Heat This Summer

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Summer is here, which means we will be feeling the heat for the next few months. On extremely hot days, it's important to stay cool and safe. Below are some tips to do just that, including where to go if you need a place to hang out inside. 

Note: Fairfax County will activate its heat plan when the National Weather Service issues an advisory, watch or warning (usually 24 hours in advance).

Heat Safety Tips

1. Drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
2. Stay inside and out of the heat if possible. Save the yard work for another day or time.
3. Visit indoor locations during operating hours to stay cool.
4. Know the symptoms of heat-related illness. Heat stroke is an emergency, so call or text 9-1-1.
5. Never leave children, older adults, or pets alone in a car.
6. Fans create air flow but give a false sense of comfort and they do not reduce body temperature. Stay hydrated and take other steps to get cool.
7. Employers who employ outdoor workers should schedule their workers’ tasks either earlier or later to avoid extreme heat conditions, encourage frequent water breaks and check in on their well-being.
8. Our Department of Emergency Management and Security has more information about extreme heat, including important terms to know.

Cooling Centers

Visit indoor locations during operating hours to stay cool. In addition to shopping malls, stores or movie theaters, you may consider cooling off at one of our county facilities designated as Cooling Centers, including:

• Libraries
• Community Centers
• REC Centers
• Human Services Regional Offices
• Homeless shelters for people experiencing homelessness

You are encouraged to first check that locations are open before you arrive. 

Protecting Vulnerable Populations from Extreme Heat

Check on people with vulnerabilities in our community who may need help responding to the heat.

• Older adults are more prone to heat-related health problems. If you are an older adult or a caregiver to an older adult, ensure that you are staying informed for health and safety updates and seeking medical care when needed.
   
• Infants and children should be dressed in loose, lightweight clothing and should never be left in a parked car even if the windows are open.
   
• School-based outdoor activities during extreme heat conditions for athletic teams and events are monitored closely. County departments that host summer camps also monitor conditions. 
   
• Individuals who are on prescription medications may have difficulty communicating what they are experiencing or their medications may make the effect of extreme heat more pronounced.
   
• People with chronic medical conditions may struggle to cope with or recover quickly from extreme heat. 
   
• People who work outdoors are more likely to become dehydrated and get heat-related illness. Encourage outdoor co-workers to drink plenty of water, ask if tasks can be scheduled earlier or later to avoid extreme heat and take frequent breaks to cool down and hydrate. Workers and supervisors should be able to recognize symptoms of heat stress.

Sign Up for Fairfax Alerts

Did you know that you can sign up for important emergency alerts and updates during a heat emergency? Fairfax Alerts can be sent via phone, text, email and more.

Subscriptions to select: 

• Emergency Alerts
• Severe Weather
  • Non-Precipitation
    • Excessive Heat Warning
    • Excessive Heat Watch
    • Heat Advisory
• Office to Prevent and End Homelessness 
  • Homelessness Resources and Information 

Additional Resources

• The extreme heat webpage provides information on cooling center locations, cooling assistance program, Fairfax Alerts, safety tips and more. 
   
• The Cooling Assistance Program helps keep vulnerable Fairfax County residents cool during the summer months. To be eligible, at least one household members must be: age 60 or older, 5 or younger or disabled according to Social Security, Medicaid or 100% Veteran’s Administration.
   
• The Transit Ridership Incentive Program provides half-fares on Fairfax Connector for unsheltered residents and those with limited income.
   
• Transportation Options, Programs & Services (TOPS) provides subsidized transportation funds on an easy-to-use debit card for eligible older adults, persons with disabilities, and those with limited income and connects riders with a variety of transportation options.
   
• Flyers containing information about cooling center locations, Fairfax Alerts and safety tips to beat the heat have been distributed at drop-in sites and other locations that provide services to unsheltered residents.
   
• We are seeing more extreme heat days per year as the climate changes. For information on how the county is adapting to “warmer, wetter, weirder” conditions, read the Resilient Fairfax plan and check out the Interactive Climate Map.
   
• Coordinated Services Planning (CSP) connects Fairfax County residents to county and community-based services and resources. Call 703-222-0880 for more information.
   
• We also operate emergency shelters for individuals and families. If you need assistance after normal business hours, please contact the nearest family shelter. If you or someone you know is having a medical emergency related to heat, call 911.
   
• Supplies will be available for those who need them and will be distributed through outreach workers and other partners who go into the community to check on unsheltered residents, shelters, drop-in centers and meal sites.