Prepare:

  • Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.
  • Prepare your home to keep 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 a building’s attic by clearing hot air
    • Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.

Be Safe:

  • Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm day.
  • Find places with air-conditioning: Libraries, shopping malls and community centers can provide a cool place to take a break from the heat.
  • If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you or someone you care for is on a special diet, ask a doctor what would be best.
  • Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees. You could increase the risk of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature.
  • Avoid high-energy activities.
  • Check yourself, family members, and neighbors for signs of heat-related illness.

Recognize & Respond:

Knows the signs and ways to treat heat-related illness.

Heat Cramps

  • Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs.
  • Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Takes sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.

Heat Exhaustion

  • Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.
  • Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Heat Stroke

  • Signs: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) indicated by an oral thermometer; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; and unconsciousness.
  • Action: Call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.

 

Information provided by FEMA V-1004; Catalog No: 17233-5