Extreme Heat

• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
• Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses. 
• Cover windows with drapes or shades.
• Weather-strip doors and windows.
• Use window reflectors specifically designed 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 a building’s attic by clearing out hot air.
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.

Cooling Down

• Use air conditioners or spend time in air-conditioned locations such as malls and libraries.
• Use portable electric fans to exhaust hot air from rooms or draw in cooler air.
• Do not direct the flow of portable electric fans toward yourself when room temperature is hotter than 90°F. The dry blowing air will dehydrate you faster, endangering your health.
• Take a cool bath or shower.

Outdoor Activities

• Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Those particularly vulnerable to heat such as children, infants, older adults (especially those who have pre-existing conditions, take certain medications, living alone or with limited mobility), those with chronic medical conditions, and pregnant women should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
• Dress for the heat. Wear lightweight, loose fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight.
• Minimize direct exposure to the sun. Sunburn reduces your body's ability to dissipate heat.

Eating and Drinking

• Eat light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads. If you pack food, put it in a cooler or carry an ice pack. Don't leave it sitting in the sun. Meats and dairy products can spoil quickly in hot weather.
• Drink plenty of water, non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids, even if you don't feel thirsty. If you are on a fluid-restrictive diet or have a problem with fluid retention, consult a physician before increasing consumption of fluids.
• Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.

Heat Stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body loses temperature control, causing rapid overheating.

Signs

• Red, hot, dry skin
• Very high body temperature
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Strange behavior, or unconsciousness
• Rapid pulse or throbbing headache 

Actions

1. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
2. Move to a cooler place and try to lower the body temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath.
3. Do not give fluids unless the person is conscious and able to swallow.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through excessive sweating.

Signs

• Heavy sweating
• Cramps
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness and fainting

Actions

1. Move to a cooler place, ideally with air conditioning or shade.
2. Loosen clothing and apply cool, wet cloths to the skin.
3. Sip water slowly or use oral rehydration solutions.
4. Seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour.

• Temperatures inside a parked car can soar to life-threatening levels rapidly, even with the windows cracked. Children and pets are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke, which can lead to brain damage or death.
• Even on a mild day (70°F), the temperature inside a car can reach deadly levels within minutes. When it's 80°F outside, the inside of a car can heat up to 99°F within 10 minutes and 114°F within 30 minutes. It takes just a few minutes for the temperature inside a car to become deadly. Leaving the air conditioning running or the windows cracked open is not enough to keep the car cool.
• Touch a child's safety seat and safety belt before using it to ensure it's not too hot for the child.
• Never leave a child unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows down, even for just a minute.
• Teach children not to play in, on, or around cars. They could accidentally trap themselves in a hot vehicle.
• Always lock car doors and trunks--even at home--and keep keys out of children's reach.
• Always make sure children have left the car when you reach your destination. Don't leave sleeping infants in the car.
• If you see a child or pet alone in a hot car, don't hesitate to take action. Call 9-1-1 immediately and stay with the vehicle until help arrives. You could save a life.

What is the difference between an extreme heat warning, extreme heat watch and extreme heat advisory issued by the National Weather Service?

• Extreme Heat Warning - Take Action! An Extreme Heat Warning is issued when extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring.  Avoid outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay indoors in an air-conditioned space as much as possible, including overnight. Check on family and neighbors. 
• Extreme Heat Watch - Be Prepared! An Extreme Heat Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain. Plan to suspend all major outdoor activities if a warning is issued. If you do not have air conditioning, locate the nearest cooling shelter or discuss staying with nearby family or friends who have air conditioning.
• Heat Advisory - Take Action! A Heat Advisory is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria. Consider postponing or rescheduling outdoor activities, especially during the heat of the day. If you must be outside, be sure to drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade. Stay in a cool place, especially during the heat of the day and evening.