Preparing for Extreme Heat

Are you prepared extreme heat? Extreme heat is a period of excessive heat with above normal temperatures for multiple days in a row.

Extreme heat results in more deaths annually than most other weather-related hazards.  In extreme heat, evaporation is slowed and the human body must work harder to maintain a normal temperature.  Extreme heat can occur quickly and not provide any warning, especially in older adults and children.  

Everyone is at risk during extreme heat, but pregnant women, newborns and children, older adults, and those with chronic illnesses should take extra precautions during extreme heat conditions.  

Dogs with sunglasses in the sun

Before Extreme Heat
  • Find places where you can go to get cool.
  • Keep your home cool by doing the following:
    • 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 attic fans to clear hot air.
    • Install window air conditioners and insulate around them.
  • Learn to recognize the signs of heat-related illness.
During Extreme Heat
  • Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm day.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet.
  • Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face and loose, light-colored clothing
  • Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. 
  • Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees, as this 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.
Heat Related Illnesses 
Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are the mildest form of heat illness and consist of painful muscle cramps and spasms that occur during or after intense exercise and sweating in high heat.

Symptoms:

  • Heavy sweating during intense exercise
  • Muscle pain or spasms

Actions: 

  • Stop physical activity and move to a cool place
  • Drink water or a sports drink
  • Wait for cramps to go away before you do any more physical activity

Get medical help right away if:

  • Cramps last longer than 1 hour
  • You’re on a low-sodium diet
  • You have heart problems
Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is more severe than heat cramps and results from a loss of water and salt in the body. It occurs in conditions of extreme heat and excessive sweating without adequate fluid and salt replacement. Heat exhaustion occurs when the body is unable to cool itself properly and, if left untreated, can progress to heat stroke.

Symptoms:

  • Heavy sweating
  • Cold, pale, and clammy skin
  • Fast, weak pulse
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Dizziness

  • Headache

  • Fainting (passing out)

Actions: 

  • Move to a cool place

  • Loosen your clothes

  • Put cool, wet cloths on your body or take a cool bath

  • Sip water

Get medical help right away if:

  • You are throwing up

  • Your symptoms get worse

  • Your symptoms last longer than 1 hour
Heat Stroke

Heat stroke, the most severe form of heat illness, occurs when the body's heat-regulating system is overwhelmed by excessive heat. It is a life-threatening emergency and requires immediate medical attention.

Symptoms:

  • High body temperature (103°F or higher)
  • Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
  • Fast, strong pulse
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Losing consciousness or passing out

Actions: 

  • Call 911 right away 
  • Move the person to a cooler place
  • Help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
  • Do not give the person anything to drink
 Resources 
Flex Alerts

A Flex Alert is issued when extremely hot weather drives up electricity use, making the available power supply scarce. This usually happens in the evening hours when solar generation is going offline and consumers are returning home and using more electricity.

When there is not enough energy to meet the demand, the California ISO will direct the electricity utilities to rotate power outages within their service areas to avoid the collapse of the grid, and the possibility of the power being out for a much longer period of time.

California ISO - Flex Alerts