Recognizing Heat Safety Week: May 19-23, 2025

Recognizing Heat Safety Week: May 19-23, 2025

Posted on May 20, 2025 by John Brush

Santee Cooper is proud to join the National Integrated Heat Health Information System (NIHHIS) and the State of South Carolina in observing Heat Safety Week, taking place May 19–23. This campaign, recognized through a Governor’s Proclamation, highlights the growing threat of extreme heat and promotes important safety actions to protect lives and communities.

As a utility provider serving South Carolina, we know how dangerous heat can be – not only for our field crews and office staff, but also for the customers and communities we serve.

The National Weather Service Charleston SC will be sharing information via their Facebook and X pages.

What is Heat Safety Week?

Heat Safety Week is a federal collaboration by NIHHIS, bringing together agencies and partners across the country to share resources, preparedness information and safety tips to prevent heat-related illness and death. In South Carolina, the observance takes on added urgency as the summer season brings high humidity and soaring temperatures across the state.

This Year’s Daily Themes

Each day of Heat Safety Week focuses on a key message to help communities prepare:

  • Monday, May 19 – Heat-Related Illness Awareness.
  • Tuesday, May 20 – Check on Your Family, Friends, Colleagues and Neighbors.
  • Wednesday, May 21 – Heatstroke Prevention.
  • Thursday, May 22 – Heat Safety and Outdoor Recreation.
  • Friday, May 23 – Staying Safe in the Sun (Don’t Fry Day).

Simple Ways to Stay Safe

At Santee Cooper, we encourage our team members and community members to follow these heat safety tips:

  • Hydrate regularly: Don’t wait until you are thirsty – drink plenty of water and electrolytes throughout the day.
  • Dress Smart: Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes to help your body stay cool.
  • Apply Sunscreen: Apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every two hours.
  • Take Breaks: When working outdoors, rest often in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

Working Together for a Safer Summer

Extreme heat is one of the deadliest weather hazards in the U.S., but with awareness and preparation, it doesn’t have to be. Let’s use Heat Safety Week to start summer off right by putting health and safety first.

Author John Brush

John Brush

John Brush joined Santee Cooper in July 2023 after spending the previous 20+ years working in college athletics communications. As an athletic administrator, Brush has helped to promote several athletes to national recognition and has worked with athletes that have gone on to play in Major League Baseball, the National Football League, the National Basketball Association and the Ultimate Fighting Championships. He grew up in the suburbs of Pittsburgh and graduated from Waynesburg University with a degree in communication in 2000.