Extreme Heat

Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. In fact, extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

Remember:

• Extreme heat can occur quickly.
• Older adults, children, and sick or overweight individuals are at greater risk from extreme heat.
• Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index.

Prepare NOW

Discover places in your community where you can go to get cool. Prepare your home:

• Cover windows with drapes or shades.
• Weather-strip doors and windows.
• Add insulation to keep the heat out.
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
• Prevent children from falling out of windows by investing in safety devices.

Be Safe DURING

Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm day. Go to a location with air conditioning. Libraries, shopping malls, and community centers can be a cool place to beat the heat.

• Take cool showers or baths.
• Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
• If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face. Remember the sunscreen!
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Make sure pets have access to water.
• Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees. You could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature.
• Avoid high-energy activities outdoors. Avoid working outdoors during the midday heat, if possible.
• The temperature in your vehicle can quickly become deadly. Picture an 80 degree day: within ten minutes, the inside temperature will reach 99 degrees. 20 minutes? 109 degrees! Remember to look before you lock.
• Heat can affect vulnerable populations more severely than others. This includes pregnant women, babies, children, older adults, those with chronic illness, and unhoused populations.
• Check yourself, family members, and neighbors for signs of heat-related illness.

Recognize and Respond

HEAT CRAMPS

• Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs
• Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. If you are sick and need medical attention, call your healthcare provider first. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about whether you should go to the hospital or cooler location yourself, as you may be putting others or yourself in greater risk for contracting COVID-19. If cramps last more than an hour, seek medical attention. If possible, put on a mask before medical help arrives.

HEAT EXHAUSTION

• Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting
• Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

HEAT STROKE

• Signs:
  • Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) taken orally 
  • Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness
    
• Actions: Call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.