Heat is Not a Game: Beat the Heat during the World Cup

As thousands of soccer fans are expected to gather across Miami-Dade County for World Cup festivities, including Fan Fest and the region's first match next week, Miami-Dade County reminds residents and visitors to make heat safety a top priority.

Miami-Dade County’s Department of Environmental Resources Management (DERM) and the Department of Emergency Management (DEM) are working closely with Miami Stadium and Fan Fest organizers to ensure that fans, employees, and volunteers have access to cooling sites with air conditioning and hydration stations with free water in key areas. The County will also roll out awareness messages under the slogan “Heat is Not a Game” on social media and in major transportation hubs to remind residents and visitors to stay safe during the event.

"Miami-Dade is proud to welcome the world to our County to celebrate this historic moment, and we want every resident and visitor to enjoy the experience safely," said Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. "Heat is not a game — and in Miami-Dade, we know it. Staying hydrated, seeking shade, and recognizing the signs of heat-related illness can make all the difference."

Extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the United States. Young children, older adults, outdoor workers, and people with certain medical conditions are especially vulnerable. The National Weather Service forecasts an elevated risk of extreme heat across Florida next week, which can create dangerous conditions, particularly during outdoor events where attendees may spend extended periods in the sun.

Miami-Dade County is working with partners to ensure fans, employees, and volunteers at World Cup-related events have access to shade, air conditioning, and water before and during the matches:

• Cooling Stations at Miami Stadium
  Miami-Dade County is installing five cooling stations where fans and employees can access air conditioning to cool down.
• Cooling Sites Countywide
  Miami-Dade County has a network of 60 libraries, parks and government buildings that offer indoor, air-conditioned areas for residents and visitors to cool down during hot days. The cooling sites will be open to the public throughout the World Cup and can be safety points when located close to outdoor watch parties and other fan-related activities throughout the county. Review the list and map of cooling sites and operating hours.
• Hydration Stations
  Miami-Dade County is installing two Miami-Dade Water trailers outside and eight new free cool-water HydroStations™ at public transit stops along the Metrorail and Metromover corridors in Downtown Miami, in partnership with HOPE Hydration, so fans can refill their water bottles and stay hydrated.

County officials also urge everyone attending or working at the stadium, Fan Fest activities, watch parties, and at other celebrations to take simple precautions to protect themselves and those around them.

• Take breaks in shaded or air-conditioned spaces throughout the day.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and sunscreen.
• Check on family members, friends, and neighbors who may be more vulnerable to heat-related illness.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms become severe.

Visitors are also encouraged to plan ahead by reviewing transportation options, event information, and weather forecasts before heading to venues and fan activities. Miami-Dade County is installing a WeatherSTEM community weather station in Miami Gardens that will provide real-time weather information, like the heat index, to fans. Attendees can access WeatherSTEM information online or through the WeatherSTEM app.

County departments and partner agencies will continue sharing heat safety information throughout the tournament to help ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

For heat safety tips, cooling center information, and additional resources, visit Miami-Dade County's Extreme Heat webpage at miamidade.gov/heat.