Risk awareness:

• Maintain awareness by monitoring information shared by your local authority.
• Stay informed about weather conditions by monitoring local news and weather forecasts.

Planning and education:

• Consider adding the following items to your Emergency Go Kits and/or Home Emergency Supplies: electrolyte drinks, a portable or hand-held fan, cooling towels or bandanas that can be soaked in cool water, and cooling sprays or gels.
• Develop and practice your family emergency plan.

Heat-Related Illnesses:

• There is no universal definition about what is "too hot;" It depends on personal and cultural factors, such as familiarity, age, health, and activity level.
• Your body will try to maintain a steady temperature. However, too much heat can cause irregularities.
• Symptoms can range from mild (heat exhaustion) to severe (heat stroke).

If you are exposed to heat for too long, watch for these signs:

Symptoms:

• Headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness, confusion, and increased body temperature.
• Dehydration, swelling, and rapid breathing.
• Muscle cramps and pale skin.

Heat stroke is serious. Seek medical attention immediately if you experience these symptoms combined with confusion and/or loss of consciousness.

Property protection strategies:

• Insulate your home. This helps regulate indoor temperatures.
• Consider a reflective or green roof to reduce heat absorption.
• If possible, convert paved areas to vegetation. Green spaces absorb less heat than paved surfaces.

Review the Natural Disaster Preparation Residential Checklist for more tips on how to protect your home.

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Stay Informed:

• Listen to local radio, television, or other official news sources.
• Pay close attention to updates and warnings.

Health and Safety:

• Follow instructions from your local authority.
• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Plan outdoor activities for cooler hours.
• Find shade. Wear light-colored, breathable clothing, and apply sunscreen.
• Stay in air-conditioned rooms or visit cooling centers in your community.
• Take cool showers, baths, or swims to cool off.

Precautions for Livestock and Pets:

• Ensure the safety of your pets and any livestock by making sure they have shade and plenty of water.
• Never leave pets in hot cars. Temperatures can quickly become lethal.

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If you are suffering from heat exhaustion:

• Find shade or a cooler place to avoid further exposure to heat.
• Drink water to stay hydrated.
• Rest and lie down to recover.
• Use a damp cloth with cool water to reduce body temperature.

If you are suffering from heat stroke:

• Call 911, it is an emergency.
• Move to a shaded or air-conditioned area to cool down.
• Splash cold water on the body, especially large areas.
• Increase air circulation with a fan, if available.
• Remove excess clothing to improve heat dissipation.
• Unlike heat exhaustion, people with heat stroke should not drink fluids.

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