KNOXVILLE - According to the National Weather Service, our area is expected to experience extreme temperatures as a heat wave develops later this week. This heat will affect anyone without effective cooling and/or adequate hydration.

To avoid heat-related illness, be sure to take frequent breaks, wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing, stay hydrated, and limit outdoor activities to cooler times of the day like morning and evening. Although most mild heat-related illness is easily treatable with shelter from the sun and adequate hydration, if left untreated, heat-related illness can be very serious and could result in death. Seek medical help if you experience a heat-related emergency.

Be sure to check on your friends and neighbors to make sure they also have a way to take shelter from the heat and never leave children or pets in cars. There are public places that offer air-conditioning and shelter from the sun. These include libraries, rec centers and senior centers. Public pools and splash pads can also provide relief from the heat. More information about these facilities can be found at knoxvilletn.gov and knoxcounty.org.

People who have lost utility services, or who live in a house or apartment without air-conditioning, are at greater risk during heat waves. The Knoxville-Knox County CAC can be reached at (865) 546-3500 and offers utility assistance as well as access to fans for seniors. Anyone needing help connecting with additional social services providers should call 2-1-1.

Additional information can be found on the CDC’s website.

Those experiencing homelessness can find local resources on the Knoxville-Knox County Office of Housing Stability’s website: Extreme Temperature Resources | Office of Housing Stability - KnoxTNHousing.org

About Knoxville-Knox County Emergency Management Agency (KEMA) — KEMA serves as the primary coordinating agency for local efforts to prepare for and respond to large-scale emergencies and disasters.

About the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) — During disasters and major emergencies KEMA activates and leads the Emergency Operations Center, which is the central point of coordination and support for the local government response. EOC staffing is driven by the emergency response needs and includes representatives from the City and County, local law enforcement, fire, rescue and EMS agencies. The EOC also includes partners and supporting agencies who represent public health, healthcare, non-government organizations (NGOs), nonprofits, State and Federal agencies, emergency communications, utilities, public works, and others.

Knox County Alerts – Knox County Alerts allows community members to receive emergency alerts by opting in. Community members can select what type of alerts they would like to receive and how they would like to receive them. Sign up at knoxcounty.org/alert.