According to Ready.gov (2023), during extreme heat, the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.  This can lead to illness and even death.  Older adults, children, and those that are sick or overweight have a greater risk.

Some ways to stay safe during extreme heat include:

• Use air conditioning or go to a cooling center
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid outdoor activities, especially during midday heat
• Take cool showers or baths
• Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing
• Find shade
• Never leave people or pets in a closed car
• Check on family members, older adults, and neighbors
• Make sure pets also have plenty of cool water and shade
• Keep an eye out for heat related illness

A person may be having heat cramps or exhaustion, if they have muscle pains or spasms, heavy sweating, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, or vomiting.  If this happens, go to a cooler location, take sips of sports drinks or water, and take off any excess clothing.  Call a healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than one hour.

A person may be having heat stroke if they have a high body temperature (above 103 degrees F, taken orally); red, hot, and dry skin; no sweat; rapid/strong pulse; and dizziness, confusion, or lose consciousness.  Call 9-1-1 or seek immediate medical help if this is happening. 

Check out this infographic to learn more about ways to be prepared for extreme heat:

https://www.ready.gov/sites/default/files/2021-01/ready_extreme-heat_info-sheet.pdf