Extreme Heat Preparedness

Extreme heat is one of the deadliest weather hazards and can escalate quickly—especially for older adults, young children, outdoor workers, and people with chronic conditions. Prepare before heat waves arrive by knowing the signs of heat illness, making a cooling plan, and improving your home’s ability to stay cool when temperatures soar.

Know the Risks & Signs of Heat Illness

Recognize heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke
- Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, cold/clammy skin, nausea, headache, dizziness. Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, sip water.
- Heat stroke (medical emergency): high body temp (103°F+), hot/dry or fast heavy sweating, confusion, fainting, seizures. Call 911 and cool the person rapidly with cool water/ice packs.

Plan multiple ways to get heat alerts
- Enable phone alerts and check NWS forecasts. Know the local thresholds for Heat Advisories and Warnings so you can act early.

Make a Cooling Plan (Don’t Rely on Fans Alone)

Choose safe, effective cooling options
- Do not rely on fans as your primary cooling device. Fans move air and can create a false sense of comfort but do not reduce core body temperature in dangerous heat.
- Identify places to get cool: libraries, malls, community centers, or official cooling centers posted by local agencies.
- If paying for cooling is difficult, contact LIHEAP for help with energy bills, weatherization, or home energy repairs.

Ready Your Home to Keep Heat Out

Improve efficiency before heat waves
- Cover sun-facing windows with drapes or shades; add window reflectors to bounce heat back outside.
- Weather-strip doors and windows; add insulation to reduce heat gain.
- Use a powered attic ventilator/attic fan to exhaust hot air and reduce attic heat load.
- Install window air conditioners and insulate around them for a proper seal.

Outdoor Work, Sports & Events (NIOSH Best Practices)

Plan for hydration and heat-aware routines
- Drink water regularly; avoid alcohol and high-sugar drinks that worsen dehydration.
- Schedule strenuous tasks for early morning or evening; take frequent breaks in shade or AC.
- Review medications with a clinician—some increase heat risk (e.g., diuretics, stimulants, certain heart/psychiatric meds).
- Wear light-colored, loose clothing; use hats and sunscreen to reduce heat load.

Community Care & High-Risk Groups