An extreme heat event is a series of hot days, much hotter than average for a particular time and place. Extreme heat is deadly and kills more people than any other weather event. Climate change is making extreme heat events more frequent, more severe and last longer. But we can take action to prepare. Prepare now to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Learn how to stay hydrated
Drinking enough water is one of the most important things you can do to prevent heat-related illness. Your body needs water to control your body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, support your immune system, digest food, and eliminate waste. Keep in mind that an average person needs to drink about three-quarters of a gallon of fluid daily. Individual needs vary depending on age, gender, health, activity level, food choices, and climate. An excellent “hydration check” is to note your urine color; dark yellow may indicate you are not drinking enough water.
- Stay away from sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, as these cause you to lose more body fluid.
- In general, eating meals and snacks throughout the day with adequate water intake is enough to maintain electrolytes and replace salt lost when you sweat.
- Certain medical conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease, and taking certain medications may mean you need to drink more water. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about how to prepare.
Learn how to recognize and respond to heat illness
- Learn how to protect children, older adults, and people at greater risk of heat-related illness.
- Never leave infants, children, older adults, individuals with disabilities or pets in a vehicle unattended, even if the windows are open, or the engine is running and the air conditioning is on.
- Download the free American Red Cross First Aid app.
Take actions to keep your home cool
Gather water and other emergency supplies Customize this basic supply list to meet your needs. In the event of a power outage, your access to clean drinking water could be limited, so ensure that you set aside at least one gallon of clean drinking water per person per day. Store more water if you live in a hot climate or you expect an extreme heat event. While individual needs vary, keep in mind that an average person needs to drink about three-quarters of a gallon of fluid daily. You will also need stored water for food preparation and sanitation.
- Stay-at-home kit (2 weeks of emergency supplies): Include everything you need to stay at home for at least 2 weeks with food, water, cleaning and disinfectant supplies, soap, paper products and personal hygiene items. Add drinks with electrolytes. Include sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats.
- Evacuation kit (3 days of supplies in a “go bag” ): Include everything you need if you have to leave your home with food, water, personal hygiene items and cleaning and disinfectant supplies (tissues, hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol and disinfection wipes).
- Prescription medication: Store a 30-day supply of prescription medicines in a waterproof, childproof container to take with you if you evacuate. For any medications, be sure to follow directions carefully.
Take actions to keep your home cool
Cover windows with drapes or shades. • Weather-strip doors and windows. • Use window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside. • Add insulation to keep the heat out. • Use a powered attic ventilator or attic fan to regulate the heat level of your attic by clearing hot air. • Install window air conditioners and insulate around them