Extreme Heat Preparedness

Why it matters

Heat emergencies can build over several days. Homes may hold heat, pavement and buildings can raise local temperatures, and people may not realize they are in trouble until symptoms are serious.

• Older adults, infants, pregnant people, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers, and pets are often at higher risk.
• A power outage during a heat wave can remove fans, air conditioning, refrigeration, and medical-device charging at the same time.
• Preparedness means acting before the hottest hours, not waiting until the home is already unsafe.

Before a heat wave

• Check the forecast and heat alerts daily when temperatures are rising.
• Close curtains or blinds on sunny windows early in the day.
• Pre-cool the home if you have air conditioning and power is available.
• Freeze water bottles or cold packs if freezer space allows.
• Identify libraries, malls, cooling centers, public buildings, friends, or relatives with reliable cooling.
• Move strenuous chores, errands, and outdoor work to early morning or evening when possible.

During extreme heat

• Drink water regularly; do not wait until you feel very thirsty.
• Use cool showers, damp cloths, misting bottles, foot soaks, or cool towels to lower body temperature.
• Wear loose, lightweight clothing and avoid direct sun during the hottest hours.
• Keep windows closed when outside air is hotter than inside air; open them when outdoor temperatures drop.
• Check on neighbors, older adults, people living alone, and anyone without reliable cooling.
• Never leave children, pets, or vulnerable adults in parked vehicles.

Power outage cooling plan

A heat-wave power outage needs a different plan than a normal outage. Fans and air conditioning may not be available, refrigeration can fail, and indoor temperature can rise quickly.

• Keep battery fans, power banks, and charged lights ready.
• Use the coolest lowest-level room, away from sunny windows, as a temporary gathering space.
• Use wet cloths, evaporation, and shade to cool people directly rather than trying to cool the entire home.
• Know when to leave. If the indoor temperature stays unsafe, relocate before symptoms appear.
• Keep a paper list of cooling locations and transportation options in case internet service is down.

Heat illness warning signs

Heat illness can progress quickly. Treat symptoms early and seek medical help when needed.

• Heat cramps can include painful muscle spasms after sweating or exertion. Rest, cool down, and drink fluids.
• Heat exhaustion may include heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, or fainting. Move to a cooler place and cool the body.
• Heat stroke is an emergency. Warning signs may include confusion, fainting, hot skin, seizures, or very high body temperature. Call emergency services immediately.

Pets and household needs

• Keep pets indoors or in shade during the hottest parts of the day.
• Provide more water than usual and avoid hot pavement.
• Plan for medication storage if refrigeration or climate control matters.
• Keep extra drinking water for each person and pet.
• Check local rules for pet-friendly cooling locations before you need them.

First steps

1. Sign up for local weather and emergency alerts.
2. Identify two air-conditioned places you could go during a dangerous heat event.
3. Add extra drinking water and electrolyte options to your supplies.
4. Set up shade, curtains, or window coverings before the hottest part of the day.
5. Charge power banks and battery fans before the forecast peaks.
6. Write down heat illness warning signs and emergency contacts.
7. Check on at-risk neighbors, family members, and pets before and during the heat wave.