Heat-Related Illness: Data Dashboard and Guidance

Who is at risk of heat-related illness?

• Older adults don't sweat as much as younger adults, and they are more likely to have chronic health conditions.
• People with chronic health conditions such as heart or kidney disease, respiratory conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
• Outdoor workers and some indoor workers who work in a hot, unairconditioned environment. Visit the Louisiana Occupational Heat-Related Illness Prevention Program for more information about workers and heat.
• People who take certain medications (which can affect how the body controls its temperature, holds the correct amount of water, or makes the skin more sensitive to the sun). Download LDH’s fact sheet or visit the CDC's Heat and Medications - Guidance for Clinicians for more information.
• Athletes and people who exercise outside.
• Unhoused individuals and people living in buildings with no or limited air conditioning.
• People who are socially isolated or have limited mobility.
• Infants and young children are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to control their environments.
• Pregnant women are under more bodily stress and are more likely to become dehydrated.
• People who use substances like drugs and alcohol. Some substances increase the effects of heat stress on the body, while others can mask the symptoms of heat illness.

How can I protect myself and others from heat-related illness?

• Stay informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and heat advisories so you know when extreme heat is coming and how long it will last. Sign up for emergency alerts.
• Stay in air-conditioned spaces. If your home is not air-conditioned, visit a cooling center, shopping mall,  or library. To find a cooling center in Orleans Parish call 311 or go to Nola Ready Website. For other areas of the state, news outlets are the best sources.
• Contact the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) if you need help with home energy expenses such as bills, cooling equipment, or repairs.
• Keep your home cool. Wait until nighttime to use appliances that get hot, like the oven, clothes dryer, and iron. Wash hot-water loads of laundry at night. Close your blinds or curtains during the day. Use window reflectors specifically designed to reflect heat back outside.
• Stay hydrated. Drink water throughout the day. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty. Thirst is not a good indicator of hydration. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks. Water works best to prevent dehydration, but after heavy exercise or periods of heavy sweating, you may need to replace electrolytes and fluid. Many sports drinks effectively restore body fluids, electrolytes, and salt balance. Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance are muscle twitching and cramps, increased thirst, salt craving, and irritability.
• If you are outside, wear sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
• Avoid outside activities during the hottest part of the day (usually 10 AM to 4 PM).
• Never leave children or pets alone in vehicles. Look before you lock!
• Check your meds. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist to see if any of your medications affect your body’s ability to regulate temperature. Visit the CDC's Heat and Medications for a summary of how heat can affect medications and health.
• Look after each other. Check in on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, people who don't have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Take extra precautions if you are working outside or in an unairconditioned space. Remember Water, Rest, and Shade. Drink 2 to 4 glasses (16–32 ounces) of water each hour and take frequent breaks in a shady or air-conditioned space.

How can alcohol and drug use contribute to heat-related illness?

Substance use can significantly contribute to an increased risk of heat-related illness. Alcohol and drugs can impact your body’s ability to regulate and respond to heat, increasing the risks that already exist from heat or substance use. In 2023, drugs and/or alcohol were involved in 31% of all heat-related deaths in Louisiana.

• Stimulants like methamphetamines, MDMA (molly/ecstasy), and cocaine affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, decrease feelings of thirst and hunger, and increase heart rate.
• Fentanyl, heroin, benzodiazepines, and alcohol can mask heat stroke symptoms and reduce awareness, making it more difficult to recognize signs of overheating.
• People using substances may also struggle with mental health issues and/or accessing basic needs, such as lack of stable housing or access to cooled environments, putting them at a higher risk of heat illness and death due to increased heat exposure.

Prescription and Other Medications

• Some medications can increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke, by making it harder for the body to cool itself, sweat, and pump blood to the skin. These can include diuretics, antidepressants, heart and blood medications, and others.