Residents in the Rome area attempt to get a reprieve from the summer heat by hanging out at the Towne Greene public fountain.

The average high temperature in Georgia on the Fourth of July is 89 degrees. This year, most places were 10 degrees above normal, and even that felt cool compared to the temperatures witnessed during the previous week.

While many Georgia residents were embarking on holiday plans, public health officials were preparing for statewide response should that heat translate to a wide spread threat.

"We followed the recommendations from our emergency management agencies, and they got their information from NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) and ReadyGA.gov," said North Georgia Public Health District public information officer Jennifer King. "Our main message together to the public was to stay indoors as much as possible, drink plenty of fluids, especially water, and wear light clothes both in terms of color and texture."

There are many other considerations to keep in mind as well when the mercury soars well past 100. King says this includes checking on neighbors. 

"Some people, especially the elderly, are very susceptible to heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke."

King's district also set up several cooling stations the weekend before Independence Day.

No one is completely immune to the dangers posed by heat. Northwest Georgia Public Health District PIO Logan Boss says even with the air conditioner running, motor vehicles are not a safe place to leave children or pets.

"A child's body temperature can increase five times faster than that of most adults, and children should never be left in a car unattended for any length of time," said Boss.

Boss pointed out that even athletes who are in good physical shape must consider the heat during what otherwise would be normal training practices. This includes staying hydrated, avoid training outdoors during peak temperature hours and limiting exertion levels when the heat is causing a noticeable impact.

-Story by Eric Jens, DPH Communications