Health Department Offers Recommendations to Beat the Hot Weather
Jun 09, 2026
Lincoln-Lancaster County Health Department (Courtesy of the City of Lincoln)LINCOLN–(News Release June 9)–The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Lincoln and Lancaster County from 1 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 9. Heat index values up to 107 degrees are possible.
The Lincoln-Lanca
ster County Health Department urges residents to stay safe in extreme heat by offering the following information:
Know your risk
Anyone can suffer from heat-related illnesses but some people are at greater risk than others including:
Infants, young children, pregnant people and older adults whose bodies are less able to adapt to heat
People with disabilities or certain health conditions like heart disease, asthma, diabetes, obesity, and mental health conditions
Outdoor workers and people who exercise outside
People without air conditioning or water to drink
Pets, service or support animals and livestock
Stay cool
Try to limit your outdoor activity to the coolest parts of the day or evening.
Wear loose, light-colored clothing and sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) when outside.
Rest frequently in shaded areas or air-conditioned spaces.
Find air-conditioned places to cool off. Even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help prevent heat-related illnesses. During regular business hours, all Lincoln City Libraries, Lincoln Parks and Recreation centers are available as cooling centers. Victory Park Senior Center is also available. For more local cooling centers and a searchable map, go to lincoln.ne.gov/Heat.
Use a fan to cool off, only when indoor temperatures are less than 90 degrees. Aging Partners has a limited number of fans for distribution on a first-come-first-served basis to adults age 60 and over. No financial screening is needed. For more information, call 402-441-8815.
Stay hydrated
Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you are thirsty to drink.
Limit alcohol and drinks with caffeine.
Monitor babies and children for fluid intake.
Check on others – people and pets
Never leave children or pets in a parked car.
Check on family, friends and neighbors who may be a higher risk for heat-related illness or who live alone. Make sure they stay cool and hydrated.
If you are struggling in the heat or if you see someone who may be struggling – contact CenterPointe Street Outreach at 402-782-1199 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day, including weekends. For more urgent assistance, please call the Lincoln Police Department non-emergency line at 402-441-6000 or 911.
Pets can suffer from heat-related illness too. If your pet spends its days outside, make sure it has plenty of fresh water and shade. Keep paws away from hot pavement. Check on pets frequently or bring them indoors if possible. To report a pet that has been in a hot car or outside without shade or water for an extended period of time, call Animal Control at 402-441-7900.
Stay informed
Know the signs of heat illness. If your body gets too hot, you can get sick.
Heat exhaustion can develop following exposure to high temperatures. Symptoms include heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat, cold, pale clammy skin, nausea, dizziness, weakness, and fatigue.
Heat stroke, the most serious heat-related illness, is a medical emergency characterized by a body temperature of above 103 degrees or greater. Symptoms include hot, red skin, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, confusion, passing out.
Anyone suffering from these conditions should be moved into the shade or air conditioning. If heatstroke or serious heat exhaustion is suspected, get emergency medical assistance.
Check the NWS website at weather.gov or your local media for weather updates.
Local extreme heat resources include:
Extreme Heat website – lincoln.ne.gov/Heat – with information and resources to prepare for and stay safe in extreme heat. The website can be translated into several languages by selecting the language of your choice in the upper right corner of the page.
Stay Safe in Extreme Heat information sheet in multiple languages
List and map of Local Cooling Centers and tips for keeping cool at home
Lincoln and Lancaster County Heat Response Plan
National Weather Service, Omaha/Valley Office – weather.gov/oax
Additional information on extreme heat includes:
HeatRisk – cdc.gov/HeatRisk
Extreme Heat and Your Health – cdc.gov/extremeheat
Ready for Extreme Heat – Ready.gov/heat
National Integrated Heat Health Information System – Heat.gov
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