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Stay protected during extreme heat
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Extreme heat safety tips and resources for individuals

An extreme heat event happens during a prolonged period of hot and humid weather when temperatures are much higher than normal. This type of weather may lead to heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses and can be life-threatening if precautions aren't taken. We are here to help you stay protected from the heat.

A person outdoors holding a water bottle to their forehead on a hot day

Here are some tips to help you prepare for extreme heat.
 

Before the temperature rises

  1. Keep an eye on the forecast and monitor the heat index.
  2. Read up on the dangers of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  3. Ensure that you have fans and air-conditioning to keep indoor spaces at a comfortable temperature.
  4. Stock up water if needed, and electrolyte drinks if outside work is planned.
  5. Cover windows with shades or drapery to keep rooms cool.
     

During the heat wave

  1. Stay hydrated and make sure water sources are easily accessible. Drink water consistently, even if you aren't thirsty.
  2. Use fans and air-conditioning to keep the air circulating.
  3. Dress for the weather with lightweight, heat-resistant clothing for outdoor settings.
  4. Block out direct sun and provide shade when possible for outdoor work. Wear a hat and sunblock to help protect against sun damage.  
  5. If working outdoors, take frequent breaks in cool, shaded areas to reduce the risk of overheating.
  6. Know the signs and ways to treat heat-related illnesses.

 

Types of heat-related illnesses

Heat exhaustion

Symptoms include:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Paleness and clammy skin
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tiredness, dizziness or fainting
  • Headache and weakness
  • Fast or weak pulse
  • Nausea or vomiting

How do you treat someone suffering from heat exhaustion?

  • Take them to a cooler location and loosen or remove excess clothing to lower body temperature.
  • Apply cool, wet cloths and offer sips of water or sports drinks.
  • If symptoms get worse or last more than an hour, seek medical attention or call 9-1-1.

Heat cramps

Symptoms include:

  • Muscle pains and cramps
  • Exhaustion
  • Heavy sweating
  • Spasms in the stomach, arms or legs

How do you treat someone suffering from heat cramps?

  • Take the person to a cooler location and provide sips of water or sports drinks.
  • With their consent, apply firm pressure or massage cramping muscles to relieve tension.
  • If symptoms get worse or persist for more than an hour, call a healthcare provider.

Heat stroke

Symptoms include:

  • Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F) taken orally
  • Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Dizziness, confusion or slipping in and out of consciousness

How do you treat someone suffering from heat stroke?

  • Call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately.
  • Use available methods to cool them down until medical help arrives.
  • Do not provide anything to drink.

 

Weather resource center

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Explore extreme heat resources

Find tips on additional ways to stay protected during hot weather:

See additional resources

  • (Red Cross)
  • (FEMA)
  • (National Weather Service)
  • (Ready.gov)

See all weather resources

Extreme heat safety tips and resources for individuals

An extreme heat event happens during a prolonged period of hot and humid weather when temperatures are much higher than normal. This type of weather may lead to heat exhaustion and other heat-related illnesses and can be life-threatening if precautions aren't taken. We are here to help you stay protected from the heat.

A person outdoors holding a water bottle to their forehead on a hot day

Here are some tips to help you prepare for extreme heat.
 

Before the temperature rises

  1. Keep an eye on the forecast and monitor the heat index.
  2. Read up on the dangers of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
  3. Ensure that you have fans and air-conditioning to keep indoor spaces at a comfortable temperature.
  4. Stock up water if needed, and electrolyte drinks if outside work is planned.
  5. Cover windows with shades or drapery to keep rooms cool.
     

During the heat wave

  1. Stay hydrated and make sure water sources are easily accessible. Drink water consistently, even if you aren't thirsty.
  2. Use fans and air-conditioning to keep the air circulating.
  3. Dress for the weather with lightweight, heat-resistant clothing for outdoor settings.
  4. Block out direct sun and provide shade when possible for outdoor work. Wear a hat and sunblock to help protect against sun damage.  
  5. If working outdoors, take frequent breaks in cool, shaded areas to reduce the risk of overheating.
  6. Know the signs and ways to treat heat-related illnesses.

 

Types of heat-related illnesses

Heat exhaustion

Symptoms include:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Paleness and clammy skin
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tiredness, dizziness or fainting
  • Headache and weakness
  • Fast or weak pulse
  • Nausea or vomiting

How do you treat someone suffering from heat exhaustion?

  • Take them to a cooler location and loosen or remove excess clothing to lower body temperature.
  • Apply cool, wet cloths and offer sips of water or sports drinks.
  • If symptoms get worse or last more than an hour, seek medical attention or call 9-1-1.

Heat cramps

Symptoms include:

  • Muscle pains and cramps
  • Exhaustion
  • Heavy sweating
  • Spasms in the stomach, arms or legs

How do you treat someone suffering from heat cramps?

  • Take the person to a cooler location and provide sips of water or sports drinks.
  • With their consent, apply firm pressure or massage cramping muscles to relieve tension.
  • If symptoms get worse or persist for more than an hour, call a healthcare provider.

Heat stroke

Symptoms include:

  • Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F) taken orally
  • Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat
  • Rapid, strong pulse
  • Dizziness, confusion or slipping in and out of consciousness

How do you treat someone suffering from heat stroke?

  • Call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately.
  • Use available methods to cool them down until medical help arrives.
  • Do not provide anything to drink.

 

Weather resource center

SOURCES:

, , ,