Red Cross Extreme Heat Safety Tips

June 17, 2024 Kevin

An extreme heat event is a series of hot days, much hotter than average for a particular time and place. Extreme heat is deadly and kills more people than any other weather event. Prepare now to protect yourself and your loved ones.

What to Do: Before

Learn How to Stay Hydrated

You need to drink enough water to prevent heat illness. An average person needs to drink about 3/4 of a gallon of water daily. Everyone’s needs may vary.

You can check that you are getting enough water by noting your urine color. Dark yellow may indicate you are not drinking enough.
Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
If you are sweating a lot, combine water with snacks or a sports drink to replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
Talk to your doctor about how to prepare if you have a medical condition or are taking medicines.

Gather Emergency Supplies

Gather food, water and medicine. Stores might be closed. Organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit. In the event of a power outage, you may lose access to clean drinking water. Set aside at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day. Consider adding drinks with electrolytes. Include sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats.

Go-Kit: at least three days of supplies that you can carry with you. Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.)
• Stay-at-Home Kit: at least two weeks of supplies.
Have a 1-month supply of medication in a child-proof container and medical supplies or equipment.
Keep personal, financial and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up)
Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.

Make a Plan to Stay Cool

Do not rely only on electric fans during extreme heat. When temperatures are in the high 90s, fans may not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

Spending a few hours each day in air conditioning can help prevent heat illness.
– If you have air conditioning, be sure that it is in working order.
– If you do not have air conditioning or if there is a power outage, find locations where you can stay cool. For example, a public library, shopping mall or a public cooling center. Plan
how you will get there.
– Additional resources may be available from local government or community groups.
Make sure you have plenty of lightweight, loose clothing to wear.
Create a support team of people you may assist and who can assist you. Check in with them often to make sure that everyone is safe.

Learn Emergency Skills

Learn how to recognize and respond to heat illness.
Learn First Aid and CPR.
Be ready to live without power. Utilities may be offline. Be ready to live without power, gas and water. Plan for your electrical needs, including cell phones and medical equipment. Talk to
your doctor. Plan for backup power.

Plan to Stay Connected

Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
Plan to monitor local weather and news.
Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
Have a battery-powered radio during a power outage.
Understand the types of alerts you may receive and plan to respond when you receive them.
A WATCH means Be Prepared! A WARNING means Take Action!

What to Do: During

Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of fluids. Encourage others to drink plenty of fluids, too.
Replace salt and minerals with snacks or a sports drink.

Stay Cool

Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible.
If your home does not have air conditioning, go to your predesignated cool location.
Wear lightweight, loose clothing and take cool showers or baths.
Limit your outdoor activity. If you must work outdoors, schedule tasks earlier or later in the day.

Prevent Heat Illness

Check on your friends, family and neighbors. Help them prevent heat illness. Act fast if you notice someone with symptoms.

Anyone can develop heat illness. But, people at greater risk are:

Older adults
Infants, children and pregnant women
People with medical conditions
Outdoor workers
People with limited personal resources
People living in places that lack green spaces

Heat Illness	What to Look For	What to Do
Heat Cramps are muscle spasms caused by a large loss of salt and water in the body.	Heavy sweating with muscle pain or spasms	• Move to a cool place. • Drink water or a sports drink • Get medical help right away if: – Cramps last longer than 1 hour – Person affected has heart problems
Heat Exhaustion is severe and may require emergency medical treatment.	• Heavy sweating • Cold, pale and clammy skin • Fast, weak pulse • Nausea or vomiting • Muscle cramps • Tiredness or weakness • Dizziness-Headache-Passing out	• Move to a cool place • Loosen tight clothing • Cool the body using wet cloths, misting, fanning or a cool bath • Sip water slowly Get medical help right away if: – Vomiting occurs – Symptoms last longer than 1 hour or get worse – Confusion develops
Heat Stroke is deadly and requires immediate emergency treatment.	• High body temperature (104°F or higher) • Hot, red, dry or damp skin • Fast, strong pulse • Headache-Dizziness • Nausea-Confusion-Passing out	Call 911 right away, then: • Move to a cool place • Cool the body using wet cloths, misting, fanning or a cool bath • Do NOT give the person anything to drink