Extreme heat can be dangerous, especially when it combines with high humidity. It makes it harder for your body to cool down, which can lead to serious health issues. Older adults, young children, people with certain health conditions, and those who are overweight are more vulnerable.
City environments can make heat even worse due to the “urban heat island” effect, where concrete and asphalt trap heat and release it slowly overnight. During a heatwave (an extended period of extreme heat and humidity), conditions can become life-threatening if precautions aren’t taken.
How to Prepare Before a Heatwave
Keep your home cool by installing and insulating window air conditioners. Use weather-stripping to seal doors and windows, and cover windows with shades or reflective materials to block heat. Clean and check your A/C units and ducts.
Know your neighbors, especially those who are older, ill, or live alone, and check in during heat events. Keep an emergency kit on hand, and get trained in basic first aid so you know how to respond to heat-related symptoms.
Key Heat Safety Terms
Heat Wave: A prolonged period of extreme heat, often with high humidity.
Heat Index: What it “feels like” outside, factoring in both heat and humidity.
Heat Cramps: Painful muscle spasms from heavy exertion.
Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, dizziness, and nausea due to loss of fluids.
Heat Stroke: A life-threatening condition when the body stops regulating temperature. Requires immediate medical help.
Excessive Heat Warning: Dangerously hot conditions expected for at least two days.
Heat Advisory: Very hot temperatures expected for a shorter period.
What to Do During Extreme Heat
Stay inside with air conditioning if possible. Spend time on the lowest floor, out of direct sunlight. If your home isn’t cool, consider going to a public space like a library, community center, or mall. Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
Drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty. Avoid caffeine and alcohol. Eat light meals, and dress in loose, light-colored clothing. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen if you’re outside. Never leave children or pets in a parked car.
Check in on family, friends, and neighbors, especially those without air conditioning.
Don’t Forget About Pets
Extreme heat is dangerous for animals too. If possible, bring pets indoors during high heat. If they must stay outside:
- Make sure they have constant access to shade that lasts throughout the day.
- Provide plenty of fresh, cool water, and keep water bowls in the shade to prevent overheating.
- Avoid walking dogs on hot pavement, which can burn their paws.
- Know the signs of heat stress in animals – excessive panting, drooling, lethargy – and move them to a cooler area immediately if symptoms appear.
Recognizing and Responding to Heat Illness
Sunburn: Red, painful skin, sometimes with swelling or blisters. Cool the skin and protect it from further sun exposure.
Heat Cramps: Muscle spasms, often in the legs or stomach, with heavy sweating. Move to a cooler place, sip water, and gently stretch.
Heat Exhaustion: Pale or flushed skin, sweating, dizziness, nausea, or headaches. Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, and apply cool, wet cloths. Give small sips of water.
Heat Stroke: This is a medical emergency. Symptoms include a high body temperature (105°F+), red/dry skin, rapid pulse, and confusion or unconsciousness. Call 911 immediately. While waiting, move the person to a cool place, remove clothing, and use water, fans, or cool cloths to bring their temperature down.
