Heat Action Day 2025: Raising Awareness About Heat-Related Illnesses
As heat waves get hotter and longer, the City of Dallas, International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, American Red Cross are joining forces to raise awareness about the dangers of heat-related illnesses, especially for vulnerable communities, during this year’s Heat Action Day.
The 2025 Heat Action Day theme is “How to Recognize Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke” and focuses on helping the public identify early warning signs and take life-saving action.
What is Heat Action Day?
Heat Action Day 2025 is a global initiative in which Red Cross and Red Crescent National Societies and partner organizations host events to teach communities how to recognize and respond to heat-related illnesses in public spaces.
Citywide Campaign in Dallas
In Dallas, elected officials, the Office of Emergency Management, Dallas Fire-Rescue, the Red Cross and other partners are leading a citywide campaign to educate residents on how to prevent, identify and treat heat exhaustion and heat stroke. To mark the occasion, iconic downtown buildings will light up in orange—the official color of Heat Action Day—to raise awareness of the importance of heat safety.
How to Recognize Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two types of heat-related illnesses that can be serious and even life-threatening if not recognized and treated promptly. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that can develop after spending time in the heat and not getting enough fluids. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, pale and cool skin, faint or weak pulse, nausea or vomiting, and dizziness or fainting. Heat stroke is a more severe form of heat-related illness that occurs when the body’s temperature regulation system is overloaded, causing the body temperature to rise rapidly. Symptoms of heat stroke include a body temperature of 103°F or higher, confusion or altered mental state, slurred speech, seizures, and loss of consciousness.
Prevention and Treatment
To prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke, it is essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water or sports drinks. Wearing lightweight, light-colored clothing and staying in cool, well-ventilated areas can also help. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. For heat exhaustion, move the person to a cool place, remove excess clothing, and give them cool water to drink. For heat stroke, call 911 or your local emergency number, and try to cool the person down by
