East Tennessee is expected to get hot this week. Here's what you need to know about heat safety

Hot and humid conditions are expected throughout the week , with heat warnings and advisories being issued. 

It's good to know, especially for those who love to get outside, how to stay safe while outside with temperatures reaching the 90s. One thing to note is that even if it's 90°F, the heat index, or feels-like temperature, may be a bit hotter depending on the dew point.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 700 people in the United States die from extreme heat each year. Most heat-related deaths and illnesses are also preventable.

OUTDOOR AND INDOOR HEAT SAFETY

The Knox County Health Department said Knox County libraries, senior centers, community centers and recreation centers are available for those who need to take shelter from the heat.

If you have to be outside, officials recommend staying hydrated, taking frequent rest breaks, and wearing loose, light-colored clothing.

The National Weather Service has a guide explaining how different heat index values can affect the human body. If temperatures are between 90°F and 103°F, people should use extreme caution while outside and should be wary of heat exhaustion.

There are several heat-related illnesses, including heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Those at higher risk include children, older adults, outdoor workers and people with disabilities.

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms include a high body temperature, hot and red skin, seizures, fainting, nausea and slurred speech.

Call 911 immediately if you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke.

CARS AND HEAT

In 2025, 31 children  died of heatstroke in vehicles, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 

Safety officials warn that leaving a child, or anyone, in a parked car during hot weather can quickly become deadly. In as little as 10 minutes, a vehicle's interior temperature can rise by about 20°F in direct sunlight.

The NHTSA says children are especially vulnerable because their body temperatures rise three to five times faster than adults in hot vehicles.

PETS AND HEAT

ASPCA suggests not walking dogs on hot pavement as their paws can burn on hot surfaces. Keep walks during hot temperatures to a minimum. 

Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh and clean water in hot temperatures, as they can get dehydrated fast.  The symptom of overheating in pets includes excessive panting, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness and even collapse.