“Heat is the leading weather-related killer in the U.S.” That’s not hyperbole, it’s straight from the National Weather Service. When the feels-like temps spike, smart prep and small habits save lives. And yes, they lower your JEA bill, too. 

What Counts as “Dangerous Heat” in Jacksonville?

• Heat Advisory (Duval County): Issued when heat index is 108–112°F.
  
• Extreme Heat Warning: Issued when heat index hits ≥113°F.
  
• Cooling center activations: The City’s Stay Cool Jax plan uses the thresholds above; on Sundays and holidays the Main Library and Legends Center run 11 a.m.–6 p.m. During Mon–Sat heat events, all City libraries, community centers, pools and splash pads are available during normal hours. JTA provides free rides to cooling centers on designated heat emergency days; tell the driver you’re headed there.
  
• HeatRisk (NOAA/CDC): A color-number tool (0–4) that forecasts risk for the next 7 days. Use it for planning and to tailor your day (especially if you’re sensitive to heat).
  

 

To Start: Get Your Alerts Dialed In

Your local stack

• JaxReady app (city alerts, resources, cooling centers): iOS/Android.
  
• ALERTJAX (Duval emergency notifications).
  
• NWS Jacksonville (official watches/warnings).
  
• HeatRisk dashboard (7-day heat risk at your address).
  
  

Pro move: Add a daily 7:00 a.m. calendar reminder: Check HeatRisk + JaxReady. Thirty seconds, big payoff.

Make a Personal Cooling Plan (Before the Heat Hits)

Pick your “cool rooms”

• Choose one room you can keep cooler than the rest (close doors, shades, and vents elsewhere).
  
• Target 78°F on the thermostat; fans make you feel ~4°F cooler. JEA recommends 78°F in summer to trim usage.

• JEA is insane by the way :)
  

Map your off-site options

• Closest City library or community center (free AC).
  
• Your backup (friend, neighbor, shaded public space).
  Find locations/hours: Jacksonville Public Library
  

Buddy system

• Heat illness sneaks up fast. Pair up and check in morning, mid-day, evening; especially for seniors, pregnant people, outdoor workers, and those with chronic conditions.
  

Hydrate Like a Pro (and Not Just Water)

• If you’re working or exercising outside, drink ~8 oz every 20 minutes; don’t wait for thirst. Add electrolytes if you sweat for 2+ hours. (That’s OSHA guidance.)
  
• Go easy on alcohol and heavy caffeine during peak heat; they’re dehydrating and can mask early symptoms.
  
• Eat water-rich foods (citrus, melon, cucumbers) and a salty snack to balance fluids.
  

Heat kit add-ins: Insulated bottle, electrolyte packets, cooling towel, wide-brim hat, sunglasses, mini first-aid kit.

Cool Your Body (Fast) When You’re Overheating

Rapid cool-down tactics

• Cold shower or cool bath for 5–10 minutes.
  
• Ice/cool cloths for your neck, armpits, groin, wrists.
  
• Fan + damp skin to boost evaporation (works well in Florida humidity).
  
• If it’s sweltering indoors, relocate to AC (library, mall, cooling center) for even a few hours; it meaningfully reduces risk.
  

Fan reality check: Fans help with evaporation, but don’t rely on a fan alone in extreme heat; especially for older adults. Pair fans with moist skin or AC access.

Smart Home Moves That Matter in Jax

• Windows: Close blinds/curtains on sun-facing sides by 9 a.m. Add reflective film or insulated shades.
  
• Thermostat discipline: Every 1–2° above 78°F saves. JEA notes small set-point shifts save ~6–8% per degree in summer.
  
• AC basics: Wash/rinse outdoor coil fins; change filters monthly in summer; clear supply/return vents.
  
• Humidity: A dehumidifier in your cool room can make 78°F feel tolerable.
  
• Heat makers: Skip the oven 2–7 p.m.; use microwaves, slow cookers, outdoor grill (in shade).
  
• Shade: Plant deciduous trees on west/east exposures to cut afternoon heat gain and bills.
  

If You Must Be Outside (Work, Sports, Errands)

• Schedule: Dawn or late evening.
  
• Pace: Use work–rest cycles (e.g., 20 minutes work / 40 minutes shade) when HeatRisk is Moderate+ or heat index >103°F.
  
• Shade: Portable canopy or tree shade; avoid full-sun blacktop.
  
• Clothing: Light-colored, loose, breathable; UPF long sleeves beat sunburn (sunburn impairs cooling).
  
• Hydration: That 8 oz every 20 minutes rule really matters here.
  

Heat Illness: Spot It, Act Fast

Heat exhaustion

Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, irritability, heavy sweating, elevated temp.
What to do: Move to AC/shade, loosen clothing, sip water/electrolytes, cool with wet cloths. Monitor closely.

Heat stroke

Confusion, fainting, slurred speech, temp ≥103°F, hot/red skin, rapid strong pulse.
What to do now: Call 911, move to cool area, cool aggressively (cool bath or cold packs at neck/armpits/groin). Do not give fluids if the person is confused or unconscious.

Power Out? Here’s Your Playbook

1. Check JEA outage map or text OUT to MyJEA (69532); report via phone (904) 665-6000 if needed.
   
2. Relocate to AC (cooling center/library/community center). JTA rides are free on declared heat-emergency days.
   
3. Cool room tactics: Cross-vent at night; blackout curtains by day; cool shower + fan; damp cloth on pulse points.
   
4. Cold storage: Keep a cooler with ice for meds/foods; recharge phones at public facilities. (Red Cross guidance.)
   

Kids, Seniors, Pregnancy, and Health Conditions

• Never leave people (or pets) in vehicles. Interior temps can exceed 120°F in minutes.
  
• Pregnancy: Higher risk even after a single very hot day; monitor symptoms and check AQI on hot days.
  
• Chronic conditions: Heart, lung, diabetes, and some mental health conditions increase risk; pre-plan check-ins and AC time.
  

Pets & Outdoor Animals

• Water + shade at all times; limit midday walks; avoid hot pavement.
  
• Never leave animals in parked cars; it’s deadly and illegal in many states.
  
• Watch for excessive panting, drooling, weakness, collapse; move to AC, offer cool (not icy) water, contact a vet.
  

Build Your Jacksonville Heatwave Kit (and To-Dos)

Grab & Go

• Cooling towel, broad-brim hat, UPF shirt
  
• Electrolyte packs + 2 reusable bottles
  
• USB/battery fan + power bank
  
• Small first-aid kit and meds list
  
• Printed list of nearest libraries/community centers and JEA outage info (if cell network is down)
  

Home Upgrades

• Shade trees (west/east), reflective window film, insulated curtains, weather-stripping, attic insulation
  
• Programmable thermostat; annual AC tune-up
  
• Dehumidifier for one “cool room”
  
• Learn JEA’s Ways to Save, those set-point habits add up.
  

Jacksonville Heat Resources (Bookmark These)

• Stay Cool Jax (City plan, thresholds, cooling centers, JTA rides): Activation rules and locations.
  
• JaxReady app & Extreme Heat page: Alerts, maps, printable flyers, prep guides.
  
• NWS Jacksonville: Forecasts, advisories, hazards.
  
• HeatRisk dashboard (NOAA/CDC): 7-day risk at your address.
  
• Florida Dept. of Health (Extreme Heat): Statewide guidance and health tips.
  
• JEA Outage Center (map, reporting, texting): Keep cool and informed during outages.
  

 

Jacksonville heat is relentless, but it’s manageable with a plan. Check HeatRisk each morning, schedule your coolest hours, hydrate on a rhythm, and know your nearest AC options. Share this with a neighbor who might need it. Small moves. Big impact!