Flint, Michigan – The first real test of summer is arriving in Genesee County, and health officials are urging residents not to treat it like an ordinary hot spell.
With dangerous heat expected during the week of June 28, 2026, the Genesee County Health Department is asking people to prepare before temperatures become a health threat. The warning is simple but serious: extreme heat can turn risky fast, especially for older adults, young children, outdoor workers and people living with certain medical conditions.
The department is focusing on five basic protections: stay cool, drink enough fluids, know the signs of heat illness, watch air quality and make a plan for medications.
Read also: Michigan AG defeats Trump administration order after federal wind permitting appeal is dismissed
Cooling down comes first. Residents are encouraged to spend time in shade, use cool water to lower body temperature and rely on air conditioning when possible. For households without air conditioning, officials say the plan should be made now, not after a home becomes unbearable. Libraries, public buildings, shopping centers or the homes of friends and relatives can offer safer places during the hottest hours of the day.
Hydration is just as important. The department advises residents not to wait until they feel thirsty before drinking water or other fluids. Alcohol and caffeine should be avoided during extreme heat because they can make dehydration worse. People sweating heavily may also need foods or drinks with electrolytes to replace what the body loses.
Health officials also want residents to recognize trouble early. Heavy sweating, unusual tiredness or weakness, dizziness, lightheadedness and nausea can all be warning signs that the body is overheating. The department says 911 should be called immediately for chest pain that does not go away, severe shortness of breath or confusion, which may signal a dangerous medical emergency.
Heat can also make the air harder to breathe. Residents are encouraged to check the Air Quality Index, or AQI, through weather reports or mobile apps before spending long periods outside. On poor air quality days, children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions should be especially careful about strenuous outdoor activity.
Medication is another concern many people overlook. Some medicines can make it harder for the body to cool itself, while others may be damaged by high temperatures. The health department advises residents to talk with a doctor or pharmacist, store medications in a cool place and prepare for possible power outages, especially if refrigerated medicine is needed.
The message from Genesee County is not panic. It is preparation. A little planning before the heat arrives can help keep families, neighbors and vulnerable residents safer through the worst days of summer.