Heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States, resulting in hundreds of fatalities each year. 
Heat can be very taxing on the body;

Hydrate. Whether you feel thirsty or not, drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated, especially when you are working or exercising outside.

Educate yourself. Keep up with the latest temperature and heat index forecasts and current readings (take actions to stay cool and safe when the temperatures hits 85 degrees or the heat index hits 90 degrees). Know the warning signs of a heat illness and ways you can stay cool.

Act quickly when a heat illness is suspected. Seek medical attention immediately for any of these warning signs: cramping, rapid pulse, heavy sweating, hot red skin, dizziness, confusion, nausea, vomiting.

Take it easy. Anyone working or exercising outdoors should avoid overexertion, especially between the hours of 11 am and 6 pm. Take hourly breaks in the shade or in air conditioning.

Supportive Resources

• Heat Safety
• CDC Heat Recommendations
• Ready.Gov Heat Safety

To prepare for extreme heat, you should:

• To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
• Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
• Keep storm windows up all year.
• Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.
• Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.

What you should do if the weather is extremely hot

• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
• Postpone outdoor games and activities.
• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, and other community facilities. Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the perspiration rate of evaporation.
• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.
• Drink plenty of water; even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.
• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.
• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat, and take frequent breaks.
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes.
• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

Cooling facilities may be activated during Excessive Heat Events as determined by the National Weather Service. The list provided is for planning purposes: during excessive heat conditions hours of operation will be posted. Call before you go to make sure the location is open.

Cooling Centers

We all love spending the sunny days of summer outside with our furry friends, but enjoying the hotter weather can be dangerous. As temperatures start to rise, pet owners should pay special attention to their pets to understand their limitations and take extra precautions in warmer weather.

• Never leave your pet in a car.
• Give your pet extra water. Staying hydrated is crucial on hot days to avoid illness. Whether your pet is indoors or outdoors, be sure to fill their water bowls several times a day.
• Protect your pet’s paws from hot surfaces. Walk your pet in the grass or the shade whenever possible.
• Don’t overdo outdoor exercise. Oftentimes, dogs don’t know when they need a break, so it’s important to stop frequently for shaded breaks and offer plenty of water.
• Take extra care with older dogs and dogs with shorter noses. Certain breeds with shorter noses (like pugs and bulldogs) are at a greater risk of heatstroke.
• When in doubt, stay indoors.

Supportive Websites:

Find additional information on how to plan and prepare for extreme heat:

• ASPCA Heat Safety Tips for Pets
• The Humane Society of the USA

When your area is experiencing extreme heat, it is also important to be able to recognize the signs of heat-related illness. There are three main types: heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

For heat cramps, you want to look out for muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs. If this happens, immediately find a cooler location and remove excess clothing.

For heat exhaustion, you may experience heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness or vomiting. You will want to go to an air-conditioned place, remove clothing or take a cool bath.

For heat stroke, you may experience a high internal body temperature (above 103 degrees), rapid and strong pulse, red skin, dizziness or confusion. You should call 9-1-1 and then attempt to cool your body in whatever ways are available to you.

If you experience any of the symptoms of heat-related illness, you should also take sips of a cool sports drink, which helps you replenish vitamins lost when sweating.