- Check to see if your home’s cooling system is working.
- Make sure your home is insulated and that you have weather stripping around your doors and windowsills to keep cool air inside.
- Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
- Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
- Cover windows that receive sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers.
- Learn about types of medical conditions that can result from heat waves and the proper first aid measures that should be taken.
- Heat exhaustion symptoms are heavy sweating, weakness, cold, pale and clammy skin, a thready pulse, and possible fainting and vomiting.
- Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency that occurs when the body temperature reaches 106° F or higher. Symptoms include hot dry skin, rapid and strong pulse, and possible unconsciousness. Summon immediate medical assistance.
Get Ready for Extreme Heat
Before Extreme Heat
During Extreme Heat
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit sun exposure.
- Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in your body. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
- Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
- Closely monitor a local radio station, TV station or NOAA Weather Radio for pertinent information.
- Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Protect face and head by wearing a hat.
- Spend time in air-conditioned places. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spend some time each day in an air-conditioned public space.
- Stay on ground level, away from sunshine if air conditioning isn’t available.
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
- Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning or spend time alone.
- Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.