Dangerous Heat Continues this Weekend

The Nashville Office of Emergency Management (OEM) continues to conduct Heat Patrols as extreme heat continues throughout the area.

The Nashville Office of the National Weather Service (NWS), forecasts heat index values of up to 110 degrees through this weekend.

A Heat Warning remains in effect. Expect low rain chances on Friday, and even drier conditions with rain and storm chances less than 5 percent.

During the heat patrols OEM Personnel will check on vulnerable people including the unhoused.

Heat Patrol Results: 8/11-8/13:

• 595 bottles of ice water
• 38 hygiene kits
• 107 popsicles

OEM recommends taking several steps to stay safe during this extreme weather. First and foremost, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty.

Avoid strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. If you must be outside, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and a wide-brimmed hat to shield yourself from the sun.

Be sure you know how to recognize the signs of heat illness. Symptoms can include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, nausea, and headache. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, it is vital to move to a cooler place, hydrate, and seek medical attention if necessary.

A critical reminder is to never leave children or pets in parked cars, even for a short period.

The temperature inside a vehicle can rise quickly, leading to life-threatening situations. Always check your back seat before leaving your vehicle to ensure that no one is left behind.

The Office of Homeless Services (OHS) coordinates with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) during extreme heat conditions. When a heat response is activated, OHS conducts city-wide canvassing and heat patrols from 8AM-12PM by providing:

1. Cool Rides
2. Water Distribution
3. Insect Repellant
4. Sunscreen
5. Service Provider Coordination
6. Scheduled Encampment Support

Cooling Shelters

The Salvation Army

• Outreach Food Services:
  • Mondays at Walmart on Dickerson Pike 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
  • Thursdays at First Nazarene Church 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Heat Patrols: The Salvation Army will conduct daily heat patrols on extreme heat days.

Room in The Inn

Room In the Inn's Hope U Day Center adjusts services based on daily temperatures and National Weather Service heat advisories. Decisions are made each morning by 7:00 a.m.

• Hours and Services: Room in The Inn (705 Drexel Street) is open Monday-Friday from 6 a.m.2 p.m. and serves lunch. Lunch tickets are given out at 10:15 a.m. Gatorade and Ice pops available to encourage folks to come inside and cool off.
• Getting there: Number 8 bus
• Other Services: Showers are available from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. Showers begin at 6 a.m.

Level 2 Heat Response (90°F-98°F)

When temperatures reach 90°F or higher, Hope U provides additional heat relief resources, including:

• Water and electrolyte drinks available throughout the day
• Sunscreen and insect repellent available at the support desk
• Expanded hydration efforts to help guests stay safe during extreme temperatures

Level 3 Extreme Heat Response (98°F+ or National Weather Service Heat Advisory)

During periods of extreme heat, Hope U expands services to provide additional cooling and hydration support, including:

• Day center access during lunch hours with indoor meal service
• Extended café seating with cold beverages available
• Frozen treats provided as guests leave for the day
• Bottled water distributed when available
• Access to seasonal items such as flip-flops, washcloths, sunglasses, and lightweight clothing
• Additional outreach efforts to provide water to individuals remaining outdoors

These enhanced services are designed to help individuals experiencing homelessness stay safe, hydrated, and connected to resources during periods of dangerous heat.

Nashville Rescue Mission

• Hours and Services: Nashville Rescue Mission is a full-service emergency shelter open 365 days a year / 24 hours a day; offering 3 meals a day, full case management, beds, clothing, showers, respite from the heat and other services.
  Day services and overnight shelter are available for men, women, and families with children. Please call for any questions @ 615-255-2475.
• Getting there: Number 52B bus, 639 Lafayette (Men's Misson) and 1716 Rosa Parks (Women and Children's Mission)
• Pets: Service animals are welcome.

Community Care Fellowship

• Hours and Services: Community Care Fellowship will be open from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and serves lunch. Snacks available.
• Getting there: Number 4 bus 511 South 8th Street
• Other Services: Showers and Laundry are available.

Nashville Public Libraries

21 locations across the city. Hours and addresses can be found on the Nashville Public Library website . All locations have air conditioning, restrooms, and drinking fountains, as well as computers and power outlets for charging phones and other devices. The main library has outreach opportunities including Coordinated Entry access with OHS staff.

Heat Patrols Teams

The organizations listed below have outreach heat patrols visiting encampments and delivering water. People Loving Nashville and The Salvation Army will mobilize to various locations based on community needs.

Shower the People

Offers Mobile Showers and Outreach at various locations across Nashville. Please go to their website for more information,

• Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. at Trinity Community Commons
• Thursdays, 9:00 a.m.- 1:00 p.m. at Belmont Church
• Every Other Saturday, Tennessee Justice Center

Additionally, OEM encourages residents to check on the elderly and vulnerable members of the community. Those who are elderly, have chronic illnesses, or lack access to air conditioning are at a higher risk for heat-related illnesses. A simple phone call or visit can make a significant difference in their well-being during this extreme heat.

As we brace for these hot days ahead, let us all take the necessary precautions to ensure our safety and the safety of those around us. Stay informed, stay cool, and look out for one another.

Outdoor workers-particularly construction crews, landscapers, road workers, and others who spend long hours in direct sun-face increased risks during periods of extreme heat. Heat-related illnesses are preventable when proper safety practices are followed.

Employers are urged to provide:

• Frequent Rest Breaks: Workers should have regular opportunities to cool down in shaded or air-conditioned areas. Limiting time in the heat and increasing recovery periods significantly reduces heat stress. Workers should drink about one cup every 15-20 minutes to stay properly hydrated.
• Workload Adjustments: When possible, shift strenuous tasks to earlier, cooler parts of the day and rotate employees through physically demanding jobs to reduce the risk of overheating.
• Training and Safety Monitoring: Employers should train workers to recognize symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and establish a buddy system for early detection. Supervisors must be prepared to respond immediately if workers show signs of heat-related illness.

Outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable when performing strenuous labor while wearing heavy protective gear or working in areas lacking shade or airflow. Urban environments can further elevate temperatures through the heat-island effect, increasing risk for those working in construction, landscaping, agriculture, and similar fields.

To help monitor conditions, OEM encourages employers and workers to use the OSHA-NIOSH Heat Safety Tool App , which provides real-time heat index readings, hourly forecasts, and safety recommendations for outdoor work activities.

For Pets:

• Ensure pets have constant access to water, especially during hot weather. Adding ice to the water can help keep it cool.
• Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day (typically 10 AM to 4 PM). opt for walks in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
• Make sure pets have access to shaded areas when outdoors. A well-ventilated doghouse or a shady spot under a tree can provide relief from the sun.
• Hot pavement can burn paws, so test the surface with your hand before letting your pet walk on it. Consider using pet booties or walking on the grass instead.
• Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, even with the windows cracked, and lead to heatstroke.
• Excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, vomiting, and unsteady gait are signs of heatstroke. If you notice these symptoms, move your pet to a cooler area and contact your veterinarian immediately.

For Children:

• Stay hydrated: Encourage children to drink plenty of water, even before they feel thirsty.
• Dress lightly: Light-colored, loose-fitting clothing can help children stay cool.
• Seek shade and avoid peak heat: Limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day and seek shade when outdoors.
• Supervise children around water: Ensure children are supervised when near pools, lakes, or other bodies of water.
• Never leave children unattended in vehicles: Like pets, children can quickly overheat in parked cars.

Be aware of heat exhaustion and heatstroke: Signs of heat exhaustion in children include flushed skin, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Heatstroke can be more severe and requires immediate medical attention.