FEMA Emergency Experts Promote Extreme Heat Safety and Preparedness
The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is encouraging communities to prepare now to protect themselves against extreme weather, earthquakes, tornadoes, and other hazards.
Extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S. However, heat related illnesses and deaths are largely preventable with proper planning, education, and action. FEMA's SummerReady Campaign is designed to help individuals and communities build local capacity to prepare for and take actionable steps to address extreme heat. The campaign, and the helpful tips at the official US Govt website Ready.gov, provide free and low-cost suggestions to protect against this serious hazard.
FEMA urges individuals in affected areas to pay close attention to weather forecasts, heed advice from local officials and follow expert safety tips to stay safe during extreme heat.
- Understand Your Risk. Summer heat can be especially dangerous for older adults, those who work outside, people with certain health conditions, and those without access to air-conditioning. The US Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advise that it is important to know and recognize the signs of heat exhaustion, heat cramps, heat stroke and ways to respond. While all heat-related illnesses can require medical attention, heat stroke is always a medical emergency. If you or someone else is experiencing the symptoms of heat stroke, call 9-1-1 and get the person to a cooler place right away.
- Keep Everyone Safe. Never leave children or pets alone in hot vehicles. Heat inside a car can increase up to 20 degrees in just 10 minutes. It is important to check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
- Stay Cool. Fans alone aren’t enough in high heat and high humidity. FEMA encourages people and especially those that are vulnerable to go somewhere with air conditioning or visit a public place like the library, museum, or shopping mall to stay cool. Other ways to keep cool include wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, taking a cool shower or bath to cool off and if you are at home, keep curtains closed to keep the heat out.
- Stay Hydrated. Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel thirsty and avoid drinks with caffeine. If you have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, are on fluid-restricted diets, or have a problem with fluid retention consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.
- Check the Air Quality. Hot weather can make air quality worse. Poor air quality can be especially dangerous for people with heart or lung disease, older adults and children. You can enter your zip code on the AirNow.gov page to get air quality data where you live.
Additional Safety Tips:
- Very hot weather can affect power systems, as utility companies may shut down portions of the power grid. When the power goes out, use only flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for emergency lighting. Never use candles during a blackout or power outage due to high fire risk.
- Use generators safely; always use them outdoors and at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages. Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding.
- Visit Ready.gov (English language) or Listo.gov (Spanish language) for more information on staying safe before, during and after extreme heat.
