This biweekly column is sponsored by the Arlington Office of Emergency Management.
If the last time you got in your car you thought it was hot enough to bake a cake, you’re not far off! The internet is full of recipes for dashboard cookies and pizza, helping to keep your house cool and energy costs down when the heat rises, while also fueling your sugar tooth. But if your car can warm up enough to bake cookies, that means temperatures (inside and outside of your car) may also be dangerous.
In fact, heat emergencies kill more people every year in the US than any other natural disaster. Heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke are caused by prolonged exposure to heat, loss of fluids and increased body temperatures, and, if left untreated, can be deadly. Consider:
Older adults, children, and males are more likely to die from a heat-related emergency. According to NOAA, adults aged 50 or older account for 73 percent of heat-related deaths nationally.
Men, who account for 71 percent of heat-related deaths nationally, have an increased risk of death due to higher rates of sweating. During a heat-emergency:
- Drink plenty of fluids and wear cool, lose clothing
- Use a buddy system when working outside or participating in strenuous activity
Those living alone face a significantly higher risk of death during a heat emergency. Following the Derecho in 2012, when temperatures soared to 100F and nearly 3.8 million people were without power in Virginia and Maryland, 75 percent of the heat-related victims were unmarried or living alone.
- If you live alone, set up a buddy to check on you twice a day during a heat emergency
- Check on neighbors, friends and family at least twice a day during a heat emergency to make sure they’re okay
The most dangerous place during a heat wave is in a home with little or no air conditioning. A fan can provide some comfort, but once temperatures rise into the 90s it will not prevent heat-related illness, such as heat exhaustion or stroke. Even just a few hours’ relief in air conditioning can help to cool the body significantly. During a heat wave, consider:
- Visiting the library, community center, mall or movie theater to escape your home
- Take a cool shower, bath or go to a pool or sprayground
The temperature in a car can increase to 114F within 30 minutes when the air temperature is just 80F (and reach 123F within an hour). Even with the windows cracked, the temperature in your car can increase 20F within 10 minutes. Heat exhaustion and stroke, a life-threatening condition, can set in when your body temperature reaches 104F. Children are particularly at risk because are not able to regulate their body temperature as well as adults.
- Never leave a child or animal in a vehicle, even with the windows cracked
- Form regular habits to help you remember that you have a child in the car, such as leaving your briefcase, purse or lunch in the back seat
Recent Stories
At Generation Hope, we’re dedicated to supporting teen parents in college as they work toward earning their degrees. We are in need of caring child care volunteers for upcoming events on Saturday, October 21st (in Washington, DC), and Saturday, November 4th (in Arlington, VA). Join our growing volunteer community and support us at an event this fall!
At all of our events, we provide free onsite child care for the children of the teen parents we serve, creating a nurturing environment for the kiddos while their parents learn valuable life skills and build community.
If you enjoy working with children and are looking to make an immediate impact in your community, please visit https://www.generationhope.org/volunteer to learn more.

Join us for Arlington’s biggest civil rights & social justice event of the year. The banquet is back in person at the Arlington Campus of George Mason University.
Our keynote speaker this year is Symone Sanders from MSNBC and former Chief of Staff for Vice-President Kamala Harris.
The Master of Ceremonies is Joshua Cole, former state delegate, NAACP President, and local pastor.
Tickets/seating are limited. Purchase your ticket today! Sponsorship opportunities available.
Free Right-Sizing Workshop – How to Get Rid of Your…
Cody Chance and Dick Nathan of Long & Foster are hosting an online workshop on the topic of “down-sizing” Wednesday, October 4 from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Every great endeavor begins with a great plan. This workshop will give you the tools
Rosslyn Fall Fest
Join the Rosslyn BID for Fall Fest on Saturday, Oct. 14, from 1-6 p.m. at Gateway Park! Whether you’re in the mood for a refreshment at our hard cider tastings and cash bar, want a bite to eat from the