The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) offers the following extreme heat survival and safety tips:
- Drink plenty of water; even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks containing caffeine, as this can contribute to dehydration. 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.
- Wear light colored, loose fitting clothing.
- Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle – even on a “moderately warm” day. NHTSA highway safety experts remind us that it is extremely dangerous to leave children (or pets!) alone in a parked car in warm or hot weather “even for a few minutes.” When it is 80 degrees outside, it can get up to 114 degrees inside your car in as little as 30 minutes!
- Check on family, friends, and neighbors whose homes do not have air conditioning and who may spend much of their time alone.
- Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they have plenty of water and are not suffering from the heat.
- Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power during periods of extreme heat. Stay on the lowest floor out of the direct sunshine if air conditioning is not available.
