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For Immediate Release: May 23, 2025

For Media Inquiries:
Kristin Prelipp, Asst. Community Relations Director
kprelipp@orangecountync.gov 
(office) 919.245.2322

The Orange County Board of Commissioners has officially proclaimed the week of May 25–31, 2025, as “Heat Awareness Week” in Orange County, North Carolina, underscoring the urgent need to prepare for extreme heat as rising temperatures threaten public health and safety across the region. 

In advance of the heat, local governments and emergency partners are taking action. A Heat Action Plan has been developed to outline the community’s coordinated approach to mitigation, preparedness, adaptation, and response to extreme heat. This plan, initially drafted by a Heat Cohort—comprised of representatives from the towns of Hillsborough, Carrboro, and Chapel Hill, as well as Orange County’s Sustainability and Emergency Management departments—will be reviewed in the summer of 2025 by a larger Heat Task Force to ensure it meets the needs of all residents. 

Extreme heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, surpassing deaths caused by hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes. It is a silent, invisible, and often underestimated threat. In 2024—the hottest year on record—Orange County experienced 12 days over 95°F, up from a historical average of eight days. Projections suggest the region could see between 28 to 41 days over 95°F annually by the 2060s. Warmer nights also mean less recovery time for the body, amplifying the health impacts of heat. 

“This proclamation is a call to action,” said Orange County Emergency Services Director Kirby Saunders. “Heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable. By increasing awareness and preparation, we can save lives—especially among our most vulnerable residents, including those without air conditioning, people who work outdoors, the unhoused population, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.” 

As part of the proclamation, Orange County will also launch the “Beat the Heat” campaign, a multilingual, four-month public education initiative using social media to raise awareness about extreme heat, its health impacts, and how residents can stay safe. 

The county’s heat communication strategy includes establishing formal protocols for disseminating heat advisories and health tips—particularly important early in the season, when residents are less acclimated to rising temperatures. All residents are encouraged to sign up for OC Alerts at www.orangecountync.gov/OCAlerts to get important weather updates.

Orange County has compiled a list of resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness during dangerous hot weather events at www.orangecountync.gov/Heat 

Important Links:

The community is encouraged to share the graphics and resources throughout the summer. They will be posted on Orange County's Facebook and other social media channels every Monday and Wednesday beginning on May 26 through September 10.  Click on the image below to enlarge it. All images are available for download in five languages on the Extreme Weather Graphics site.

Mon., May 26 and Wed., May 28:

Mon., June 2 and Wed., June 4:

Mon., June 9 and Wed., June 11:

Mon., June 16 and Wed., June 18:

Mon., June 23 and Wed., June 25:

Mon., June 30 and Wed., July 2:

Mon., July 7 and Wed., July 9:

Mon., July 14 and Wed., July 16:

Mon., July 21 and Wed., July 23: 

Mon., July 28 and Wed., July 30: 

Mon., Aug. 4 and Wed., Aug. 6:

Mon., Aug. 11 and Wed., Aug., 13: 

Mon., Aug. 18 and Wed., Aug. 20: 

Mon., Aug. 25 and Wed., Aug. 27: 

Mon., Sept. 1 and Wed., Sept. 3:

Mon., Sept. 8 and Wed., Sept. 10: