PSA: How to stay safe in the Southern Nevada summer
(a guide for newcomers)

When the Heat Becomes Dangerous

If you’ve spent any time in Southern Nevada during summer, you know the heat isn’t just uncomfortable—it can be downright dangerous. We’re talking about temperatures that make you question why anyone thought settling in the desert was a good idea!

The numbers don’t lie: In 2024, heat-related deaths in Clark County reached 491, making it the deadliest year on record. That’s a staggering increase from previous years, and it happened during a summer when Las Vegas hit an all-time record of 120 degrees Fahrenheit. These aren’t just statistics—they’re neighbors, friends, and family members.

Your body works hard to keep you cool through sweating, but sometimes it just can’t keep up. That’s when heat exhaustion sneaks up on you. You might feel dizzy, nauseous, or develop a pounding headache. Maybe you’re sweating buckets but still feel weak. These aren’t just signs you need a break—they’re your body waving a red flag. Ignore them, and you could end up with heat stroke, where your body essentially gives up on temperature control. That’s when things get really scary, with potential organ damage and worse.

The tragic reality is that many heat-related deaths involve everyday situations. In September 2024, a Las Vegas man was betting on horses at the Wynn, celebrating his wins with tequila shots. The next thing he remembered was waking up in the hospital with burns on nearly 7% of his body from passing out on the hot pavement. During June 2024 alone, UMC’s burn center admitted 23 patients for pavement burns—compared to just three the entire previous June.

Some folks need to be extra careful. Grandparents visiting for the summer? They might not realize their bodies don’t handle heat like they used to. Got little ones? Their tiny bodies struggle more with temperature regulation than ours do. And if you’re on certain medications or dealing with health conditions, the heat might hit you harder than others. It’s not about being weak—it’s about being smart.

According to the Southern Nevada Health District, nearly 78% of heat victims in 2024 were age 45 or older. Even more sobering: drug use was involved in 56% of cases. The combination of substances like fentanyl or methamphetamine with extreme heat can be lethal, as these drugs prevent your body from regulating temperature properly.

Here’s something that might surprise you: the heat doesn’t just make you physically miserable. Ever notice how you can’t think straight when it’s blazing hot? That’s because extreme heat actually messes with your brain function. You might find yourself making silly mistakes, forgetting things, or reacting slower than usual. Not ideal when you’re driving or trying to get work done!

Making the Most of Summer Outdoors

Just because it’s hot doesn’t mean you have to become a hermit! You just need to be strategic about it. Think of yourself as a vampire (minus the blood-drinking part)—embrace those early morning and evening hours. That 5 AM hike might sound brutal, but it beats passing out at noon.

Your wardrobe matters more than you might think. Ditch the dark colors and tight clothes. Go for light, breezy fabrics that let your skin breathe. Think of it as your personal air conditioning system. And please, invest in a good hat—your scalp will thank you. Those wide-brimmed ones might not win any fashion awards, but they’re lifesavers out here.

Water is your best friend, and I mean that literally. Start drinking before you’re thirsty—by then, you’re already behind the hydration game. Keep a water bottle glued to your hand, and don’t be shy about those sports drinks when you’re really sweating it out. They’re not just marketing hype; you really do need those electrolytes back.

Sunscreen isn’t optional—it’s mandatory. Slather it on like your life depends on it (because your skin’s health actually does). Set a timer on your phone to reapply every couple hours. And for the love of all that’s holy, take breaks! Find some shade, duck into an air-conditioned store, whatever it takes. There’s no prize for toughing it out in 115-degree heat.

Surviving the Roads When Your Car Becomes an Oven

Your car needs TLC in this heat just as much as you do. Before heading out on any summer road trip, pop the hood and show your cooling system some love. Check that coolant, peek at those hoses, and make sure everything looks good. Breaking down in the middle of nowhere when it’s 120 degrees isn’t just inconvenient—it’s dangerous.

Those tires of yours? They’re literally where the rubber meets the road, and hot pavement is brutal on them. Heat makes air expand, so your perfectly inflated tires in the morning might be overinflated by afternoon. Keep a gauge handy and check them regularly. A blowout at highway speeds in this heat is the last thing you need.

Pack your car like you’re preparing for survival (because in a way, you are). Water bottles, more water bottles, and maybe some electrolyte drinks for good measure. If you’ve got kids or elderly passengers, keep an extra close eye on them. They won’t always tell you when they’re feeling off, so you need to be proactive.

Here’s a pro tip: when you park, crack those windows if you can (safely), or use those reflective windshield shades. Your car’s interior can hit oven temperatures faster than you can say “heat stroke.” And speaking of ovens, NEVER leave kids or pets in the car—not even for “just a minute.” That minute can turn deadly faster than you think.

The heartbreaking proof? In July 2017, 3-year-old Chase Lee died at the Grandview Resort after being forgotten in a family car for just over an hour. The temperature inside reached 170 degrees. In October 2020, 1-year-old Sayah Deal died from heat stroke after being left in a vehicle on H Street. Whether they were bad parents or not, in the end they were families who lost track during busy moments. It can happen to anyone. (Remember that part about heat affecting your thinking?)

Keeping Your Furry Friends Cool

Our pets rely on us to keep them safe, and summer heat is no joke for them. They can’t tell us when they’re too hot, so we need to watch for the signs. Is your normally energetic pup suddenly moving like they’re in slow motion? Are they panting like they just ran a marathon after a short walk? These aren’t just signs they’re hot—they could be heading toward heat stress.

The consequences can be devastating. In July 2023, a 2-year-old dog named Nico died from heat stroke at a Las Vegas boarding facility after being there for less than an hour. His body temperature reached 106 degrees. In June 2025, a dog died after being left outside during an extreme heat warning near Clark County Wetlands Park. Another heartbreaking case: Four dogs died from heat exhaustion after being left in a car in May 2024.

Time your pet activities like you’re planning a covert operation. Early morning and late evening are your windows of opportunity. Yes, it means setting that alarm earlier, but it’s worth it to keep your four-legged friend safe. If you absolutely must go out during the day, make it quick and stick to the shadows.

Water isn’t just important—it’s critical. Bring a collapsible bowl or find water fountains along your route. Make frequent water stops part of your routine, not an afterthought. And here’s something many people don’t think about: that pavement is basically a griddle in the summer heat. If it’s too hot for your bare feet, it’s too hot for their paws.

I cannot stress this enough: leaving pets in cars during summer is a death sentence. I don’t care if you’re “just running in for one thing” or if you parked in the shade. Cars turn into furnaces within minutes. If you can’t bring your pet inside with you, leave them at home where it’s cool and safe.

Remember, enjoying summer in Southern Nevada is totally doable—you just need to respect the heat and plan accordingly. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay smart out there.

Resources: The Southern Nevada Health District is the government agency in Clark County responsible restaurant inspections, for public health (vaccines for school, etc.) and vital records (birth and death certificates, etc). Check out their “Beat the Heat” campaign website.