06/28/2025
Office of Social Communication, AMEXCAN
Greenville, North Carolina - June 27, 2025
AMEXCAN Issues Urgent Heat Wave Warning for North Carolina, Urges Precautions for All Residents, Especially Farmworkers
As an extreme heat wave sweeps across the nation and intensifies in North Carolina, AMEXCAN (The Association of Mexicans in North Carolina, Inc.) is issuing an urgent warning to all residents to take immediate precautions. With temperatures and heat indices projected to reach dangerous levels, ensuring the safety and well-being of every community member, particularly our invaluable farmworker population, is paramount.
Forecasters predict continued oppressive heat this week, with heat index values potentially exceeding 105-110°F in many parts of the state. These conditions pose significant health risks, including heat exhaustion and life-threatening heat stroke.
We urge all North Carolinians to take this heat wave seriously, especially our outdoor workers who face unique and heightened risks. Simple precautions can save lives.
Critical Precautions for All North Carolina Residents:
AMEXCAN advises the public to follow these essential heat safety guidelines:
● Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks, caffeine, and alcohol, which can lead to dehydration.
● Stay Cool: Seek air-conditioned environments whenever possible. If you don't have AC, visit public cooling centers, libraries, malls, or other air-conditioned public spaces. Take cool showers or baths.
● Limit Outdoor Activity: Reduce time outdoors, especially during the hottest parts of the day (typically 10 AM to 4 PM). If you must be outside, schedule strenuous activities for early morning or late evening.
● Dress Appropriately: Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothing. A wide-brimmed hat can also provide crucial shade.
● Check on Vulnerable Individuals: Regularly check on elderly neighbors, young children, individuals with chronic health conditions, and those without access to air conditioning.
● Never Leave Children or Pets in Cars: Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly to dangerous levels, even with windows cracked open. This can be fatal.
Specific Precautions for Farmworkers and Outdoor Laborers:
Farmworkers and other outdoor laborers are disproportionately affected by extreme heat due to their prolonged exposure and physically demanding work. AMEXCAN strongly advocates for:
● Mandatory Rest and Shade Breaks: Employers must provide regular, scheduled breaks in shaded or cool areas.
● Ample Access to Cool Water: Workers should have easy and continuous access to cool, clean drinking water.
● Monitoring for Heat Illness: Supervisors and colleagues should be trained to recognize the signs of heat-related illness (dizziness, headache, nausea, heavy sweating, confusion) and act immediately by moving individuals to a cooler place and seeking medical attention if symptoms are severe (e.g., high body temperature, confusion, unconsciousness – call 911).
● Flexible Work Schedules: Where possible, adjust work hours to avoid peak heat, such as working earlier in the morning.
North Carolina Heat Wave Resources:
For additional information and resources on heat safety, please consult the following:
● ReadyNC.gov - Extreme Heat: https://www.readync.gov/extreme-heat
● NC Farmworker Health Program - Patient Education Materials: https://ncfhp.ncdhhs.gov/patient-education-materials/
● Heat.gov: https://www.heat.gov/
AMEXCAN stands in solidarity with all North Carolinians during this challenging period and urges everyone to prioritize safety and look out for one another.
Contact:
For media inquiries or more information about AMEXCAN's programs and advocacy efforts, please contact:
● Email: [email protected]
● Phone: (252) 258 9967
● Facebook: Association of Mexicans in North Carolina, Inc. Amexcan
HEAT.gov - National Integrated Heat Health Information System
Heat.gov serves as the premier source of heat and health information for the nation to reduce the health, economic, and infrastructural impacts of extreme heat.