Introduction: Understanding the Danger of Extreme Heat – Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change, making heat safety a crucial topic for everyone. Extreme heat can cause serious health issues, including heat exhaustion, heat cramps, and even life-threatening heat stroke.

A Heat Advisory is issued when temperatures rise to dangerous levels, making it important to take precautions to stay safe and cool. This guide will help you recognize the signs of heat illness, find ways to cool down, and protect yourself, your family, and pets from extreme heat.

Understanding Heat and Heat Advisories

A heatwave is an extended period of excessively high temperatures, often combined with high humidity, making it difficult for the body to regulate temperature.

What is a Heat Advisory?

A Heat Advisory is issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) when temperatures are expected to feel like 100°F (37.7°C) or more for at least two consecutive days.

✔ It warns of dangerous conditions that could lead to heat-related illnesses.
✔ It is especially dangerous for older adults, young children, and people with medical conditions.
✔ It serves as a reminder to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous outdoor activities, and find cool shelter.

Heat Safety Tips: How to Stay Cool and Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses

Before a Heatwave: Prepare Your Home and Community

Taking steps before extreme heat arrives can help you stay safe and reduce the risk of heat-related illnesses.

🏡 Home Preparation Tips

✔ Cover windows with drapes or blackout curtains to keep the sun out.
✔ Weather-strip doors and windows to prevent hot air from entering.
✔ Use window reflectors to reflect heat back outside.
✔ Add insulation to keep the heat out.
✔ Use a powered attic ventilator or attic fan to remove trapped heat from the roof area.
✔ Install and maintain air conditioners; ensure there is no air leakage around them.
✔ Use fans carefully – Fans do not lower body temperature, so they should be used with other cooling methods.

🌍 Community Cooling Options

✔ Identify local cooling centers, such as libraries, shopping malls, and community centers.
✔ Check with your local health department for public cooling locations.
✔ If you can’t afford cooling solutions, contact Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for financial support.

Be Safe During a Heatwave: Essential Tips

🚗 NEVER Leave People or Pets in a Car

✔ Temperatures inside a parked car can rise rapidly, even with the windows open.
✔ Leaving a child or pet in a car can be deadly within minutes.

🏠 Staying Cool Indoors

✔ If your home doesn’t have air conditioning, find a cooling center or a friend’s house.
✔ Take cool showers or baths to lower your body temperature.
✔ Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing to stay cool.
✔ Use your oven less to avoid heating up your home.

☀ Outdoor Heat Safety

✔ If you’re outside, find shade and take breaks in cool areas.
✔ Wear a wide-brimmed hat to protect your face.
✔ Drink plenty of fluids – Avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they cause dehydration.
✔ Limit outdoor activities and avoid strenuous work during the hottest part of the day (12 PM – 5 PM).
✔ Check on family members, elderly neighbors, and friends who may need help staying cool.

🐾 Pet Safety in Heat

✔ Ensure pets have plenty of cool water and shade if they are outdoors.
✔ Avoid walking pets on hot pavement, as asphalt can burn their paws.

Recognizing and Responding to Heat-Related Illnesses

Extreme heat can lead to serious health conditions. Recognizing the symptoms early can save lives.

1️⃣ Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency – Call 9-1-1 Immediately!)

🔹 Signs of Heat Stroke:
✔ Body temperature above 103°F (39.4°C) (measured orally)
✔ Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)
✔ Rapid, strong pulse
✔ Dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness

🔹 What to Do:
✔ Call 9-1-1 immediately – Heat stroke is life-threatening!
✔ Move the person to a cool, shaded area.
✔ Remove excess clothing and apply cold, wet cloths or ice packs to the neck, armpits, and groin.
✔ Do not give fluids if the person is unconscious.

2️⃣ Heat Exhaustion (Warning Sign – Act Fast!)

🔹 Signs of Heat Exhaustion:
✔ Heavy sweating and pale skin
✔ Muscle cramps, weakness, tiredness
✔ Fast, weak pulse and dizziness
✔ Headache, nausea, vomiting, or fainting

🔹 What to Do:
✔ Move to a cooler location immediately.
✔ Loosen clothing and sip cool water or sports drinks.
✔ Apply cold, wet cloths or take a cool shower.
✔ Seek medical help if symptoms worsen or last more than one hour.

3️⃣ Heat Cramps (Mild, But a Warning Sign)

🔹 Signs of Heat Cramps:
✔ Painful muscle cramps or spasms in legs, arms, or stomach
✔ Excessive sweating during exercise

🔹 What to Do:
✔ Stop physical activity and move to a cool place.
✔ Drink water or an electrolyte-replenishing sports drink.
✔ Stretch and massage the cramped muscles.
✔ Avoid strenuous activities for the next several hours.

Summer Safety for Families: Keeping Kids Safe

During summer, kids are home and may be at higher risk of heat-related dangers. Here’s how to keep them safe:

📋 Family Heat Safety Plan

✔ Create a family communication plan – Make sure everyone knows what to do in extreme heat.
✔ Teach kids emergency numbers (9-1-1) and important contacts.
✔ Practice heat safety drills – Help kids understand when to take a break and hydrate.
✔ Use preparedness games – The “Prepare with Pedro” activity book is great for teaching young kids about heat safety.
✔ Have a designated cool spot in your home where kids can rest during high temperatures.

What to Do During a Power Outage in Extreme Heat

Heatwaves can sometimes cause power outages, making cooling difficult.

✔ Close all curtains and blinds to block heat.
✔ Avoid opening the refrigerator too often to keep food cool.
✔ Use battery-powered fans if available.
✔ Stay hydrated and avoid strenuous activities.
✔ Find a public cooling center if necessary.

Conclusion: Stay Prepared and Stay Safe!

Extreme heat can be dangerous, but with the right precautions, you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

✔ Know the warning signs of heat-related illnesses and act quickly if symptoms appear.
✔ Stay cool by using fans, air conditioning, and cool showers.
✔ Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeine.
✔ Check on neighbors, the elderly, and pets to ensure they are safe.
✔ Be ready for power outages and know where your local cooling centers are.

💡 Taking action early can prevent heat-related illnesses and save lives. Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay safe!