As summer barrels toward Colorado’s Western Slope, local Red Cross officials are sounding the alarm on the hidden dangers of heat. With triple digits looming, the push to stay safe outside is more urgent than ever.

It’s not just about sunburn or discomfort. Extreme heat is the number one cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. And folks around Grand Junction are already feeling the burn. So what do you need to watch for? Hydration, signs of heat illness — and knowing when to call 911 could make all the difference.

“Don’t Wait Until You Feel Thirsty”

One of the biggest mistakes people make, according to Red Cross leaders, is underestimating how fast dehydration sets in. Just because you’re not drenched in sweat doesn’t mean your body isn’t in trouble.

“Drink water every hour,” said Christie Caster, Executive Director of the Western Colorado Chapter of the American Red Cross. “Even if you’re not thirsty.”

It’s easy to forget. Maybe you’re walking the dog, mowing the lawn, or hiking the Monument. You feel fine — until suddenly, you don’t.

And not all drinks are created equal. Coffee? Bad idea. Soda? Worse. Alcohol? That’s a fast track to heat exhaustion.

“Stay away from caffeine, carbonated drinks, and alcoholic drinks,” Caster warned. “They actually make it harder for your body to hold on to water.”

So the next time you reach for that iced latte under the blazing sun — maybe think twice.

Recognizing Trouble Before It Escalates

Most people don’t drop straight into heat stroke. There are warning signs, but they’re easy to miss if you don’t know what to look for.

First come heat cramps — painful, tight muscles, often in your legs or stomach. Then, things start to get serious.

“With heat exhaustion, you’ll feel really sweaty, maybe nauseous, light-headed,” Caster explained.

If it keeps going, you’re in dangerous territory. Heat stroke isn’t just uncomfortable — it’s deadly.

“You might see confusion, a racing heart, and the body actually stops sweating,” said Caster. “That’s when you need to call 911 immediately.”

One sentence here to breathe.

Even worse? The person affected might not realize how sick they are.

What to Do When Someone Overheats

Timing matters. If someone starts showing signs of heat stroke, you don’t have time to debate. Act fast.

Strip off excess clothing. Get them out of the sun. Fan them. Use cool towels, water bottles — anything to bring that core body temperature down.

And yes, 911. Don’t second guess that call.

Here’s a quick snapshot of the signs to know:

• Heat cramps: muscle pain, heavy sweating

• Heat exhaustion: dizziness, nausea, fatigue

• Heat stroke: no sweating, confusion, fast pulse, unconsciousness

“It can turn critical in minutes,” Caster said. “Don’t wait to see if it gets worse.”

That one action — cooling the body down fast — can literally save a life.

Think You’re Safe in the Shade? Think Again

It’s easy to think that just sitting in a park or under a tree means you’re fine. But that sun is sneaky. Heat still builds up — especially if you’re not dressed for it.

Caster emphasized light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Think breathable. Think sun hats. Think “this isn’t a fashion show.”

And breaks — actual, full-stop breaks — matter.

“If you’re working outside, take a break at least every hour,” she said. “Even just five to ten minutes in the shade can help your body reset.”

And remember, heat doesn’t care about age or fitness level. Kids, older adults, and even athletes are all vulnerable.

Cars Heat Up Way Faster Than You Think

Let’s talk about cars for a second. Because this one? It’s still happening — and it’s tragic every time.

“Never, ever leave a person or a pet in a parked car,” Caster stressed. “Even with the windows cracked.”

Why? Because that inside temp skyrockets. Within 10 minutes, your car’s interior can be 20 degrees hotter than outside.

Here’s a look at just how fast things heat up:

This can — and does — kill children and pets every year.

Caster said it plainly: “If you see someone left in a hot car, call 911. Don’t wait.”

Why This Summer Feels Hotter Than Ever

It’s not just your imagination. The National Weather Service says the Grand Junction region is on track for a hotter-than-average season.

In fact, the U.S. saw 230 heat-related deaths in 2023 alone, according to NOAA — a number experts say is likely undercounted. And in areas like Colorado’s Western Slope, where outdoor life is a big part of the culture, that’s a serious risk.

Some cities — like Phoenix and Las Vegas — have started treating heat like a disaster threat, opening cooling centers and sending out emergency alerts. Could Grand Junction be next?

Maybe. But until then, Caster hopes folks will take personal steps.

“We can’t stop the heat,” she said. “But we can be smart about it.”