Photo by Kerri Phox/The Atlanta Voice
Atlanta residents face dangerous heat conditions this week that can pose serious health risks. On Tuesday, June 24, a heat advisory was in effect from 1 p.m. through 8 p.m. on the following night, with every county on alert. Local fire departments are preparing to see a surge in emergency 911 calls as temperatures continue to rise.
According to the American Red Cross of Georgia, extreme heat is deadly and kills more people than any other weather event. The organization urges everyone to take three critical actions to stay safe: stay hydrated, cool, and connected by checking in on neighbors and friends. That particularly includes children and the elderly.
According to the Atlanta-based Centers for Disease Control, “Georgia reported 27 heat-related deaths in 2023, ranking 11th highest in the nation.” Experts stress that heat-related illnesses can develop rapidly, especially for those working or spending extended time outdoors.
The warning signs of heat exhaustion can come very quickly. Symptoms can include weakness, dizziness, vomiting, and a general feeling of illness. Immediate action is necessary when these signs appear to prevent more severe complications like heat stroke.
Firefighters also warn about the dangers of leaving children or pets in parked vehicles.
Community members are urged to stay indoors during peak heat hours if possible, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable neighbors. As Atlanta battles rising temperatures, awareness and caution are critical in protecting lives and preventing another deadly summer.
As record-high temperatures scorch the Atlanta area, organizations like Frontline Response are stepping in to offer vital support to help residents stay cool and safe. At their Dekalb County location on Gresham Rd., staff say their efforts go far beyond offering air conditioning.
“This is way more than a cooling center,” said Terry Tucker, national chief executive officer at Frontline Response. “Anybody can walk up and say, ‘Hey, I’m hungry.’ We don’t turn people away.
The center not only provides cold water and a cool, safe place to reset, but also offers meals, hygiene products, and referrals to long-term services. Many of the individuals who visit the facility are unhoused or lack consistent access to air conditioning, making even short stays critical to their health.
Tyana Mizel, director of hospitality operations at Frontline Responses DeKalb County location, works closely with the guests and said the space has profoundly impacted those who stop by. “Some of them told us just having this has been good for their health and wellbeing,” she said.
A DeKalb County native, Mizel, reflected on how essential community resources shaped her own life. “Being a mom at the age of fifteen, I knew if I didn’t have those resources in Decatur, no telling where I would’ve been,” she said. “For me, it’s just paying it forward.”
As temperatures continue to rise, Frontline Response plans to keep its cooling centers open through Sunday, June 29. The organization is also offering transportation to the center from several locations, including the Decatur Library, the Chamblee Library, and the First United Methodist Church of Tucker.
The City of Atlanta has also begun cooling station services around the city, including in the historic Sweet Auburn District at Selena S. Butler Park. Inside the park’s small rec center there is an air conditioned room for sitting available.
“We have room for more people as well in here,” said Kecia Lymon, an employee with the City’s Parks & Recreation Department. Lymon pointed to another larger room next door.
On Tuesday, many people were seen at local pools, like the one at Gresham Park, and playing in the fountains at Centennial Olympic Park.