The statewide awareness campaign is a collaborative effort between the S.C. State Climatology Office, the Department of Natural Resources, the National Weather Service, the South Carolina Emergency Management Division, and the Department of Public Health (DPH).
According to NWS, the initiative targets a danger that often flies under the radar.
"Excessive heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States," said John Quagliariello, the meteorologist-in-charge at the Columbia National Weather Service Office. "It doesn't leave behind the visible destruction of a hurricane or tornado, so its danger is often overlooked."
Forecasters warn that dangerous heat can occur much earlier in the year than many expect, and that heat-related illness remains a risk even at lower thresholds that do not trigger official weather advisories—especially for vulnerable populations like older people.
The push for early preparation follows an intense summer last year. Assistant State Climatologist Melissa Griffin says that during the peak of last summer, overnight temperatures remained up to 10 degrees above normal across the Palmetto State, heightening health risks by offering residents little to no relief from daytime humidity.
The end of July 2025 brought dangerous conditions, forcing extreme heat warnings across the Coastal Plain and heat advisories through the Midlands and Upstate. During that stretch, heat indices peaked between 110 and 118 degrees, including a 115-degree heat index recorded at the Mount Pleasant Airport and a 107-degree index at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport.
A focus on vehicular heat stroke
As part of the week's daily themes, DPH is placing a heavy emphasis on child and pet safety in vehicles.
National data indicates that more than 50% of child heatstroke fatalities occur because a child is accidentally forgotten in a vehicle, while another 25% happen when a child gets into a parked vehicle and becomes trapped inside.
"Even on a mild day, the inside of a parked car can heat up to dangerous levels very quickly," said Kevin Poore, director of Safe Kids South Carolina and DPH's Child Passenger Safety Coordinator. "Children and pets are especially vulnerable because their bodies can’t regulate heat as well as adults."
Safety officials urge drivers to build a habit of checking the back seat every time they exit a vehicle and to keep parked vehicles locked at all times to prevent children from climbing inside.
Tracking heat-related illness
To give the public a clearer view of the health impacts of extreme weather, DPH has launched its interactive Heat-Related Illness Dashboard. The online tool allows residents to track heat-related emergency room data statewide and by individual counties.
According to the department's latest full-season data from 2024, South Carolina recorded 246 hospitalizations and 2,014 emergency department visits due to heat-related illnesses between May and September.
Heat safety tips
State emergency and health officials recommend taking several basic precautions as temperatures climb:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.
- Limit Peak Exposure: Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Dress Appropriately: Wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing.
- Take Breaks: Rest frequently in shaded or air-conditioned environments if working outside.
- Look Before You Lock: Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle for any amount of time.
- Check on Neighbors: Keep an eye on elderly family members, neighbors, or those without access to reliable air conditioning.
If you observe a child or pet left alone in a hot vehicle, officials state you should take action immediately and call 911.
