Heatwaves – Be prepared for extreme heat (2024)

FAQs

How do you prepare for extreme heat waves? ›

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.

Before Extreme Heat To prepare for extreme heat, you should: 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.

Wear light-colored, lightweight clothes. When outside, seek shade where possible; wear sunblock; and bring a hat or parasol. A thermal image shows where heat concentrates in a house. Keep blinds drawn and limit your use of big kitchen appliances like oven to keep your home cool.

Planting trees and other vegetation lowers surface and air temperatures by providing shade and cooling through evapotranspiration. Trees and vegetation that directly shade your home can decrease the need for air conditioning, making your home more comfortable and reducing your energy bill.

Keep cool. Seek out air-conditioned buildings, draw your curtains, use a fan, take cool showers and dress in light and loose clothing made from natural fabrics. Plan ahead. Schedule activities in the coolest part of the day and avoid exercising and being outdoors in the heat.

A heat wave occurs when there is high pressure in the atmosphere that forces hot air downward and traps it near the ground. This high-pressure system acts like a lock that prevents the hot air from rising. Consequently, rain cannot form and the hot air gets hotter.

The community services and response effort includes a suite of actions that reduce heat exposure, build communities' capacity to respond to heat events, support local climate adaptation planning and implementation, and advance heat illness prevention standards for indoor and outdoor workers.

For example, a May temperature of 92°F in Boston is extreme heat, whereas a May temperature in Phoenix would have to reach more than 100°F to be considered extreme.

Heat can cause severe dehydration, acute cerebrovascular accidents and contribute to thrombogenesis (blood clots). People with chronic diseases that take daily medications have a greater risk of complications and death during a heatwave, as do older people and children.

How do I keep my house cool in a heatwave? ›

You can also use cold packs and wraps, towels, sponging, and foot baths to keep cool. Wear light, loose-fitting clothes of natural materials. If you go outside, wear a wide-brimmed hat or cap and sunglasses. Use light bed linen and sheets, and no cushions, to avoid heat accumulation.

Heat emergencies have three stages: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. All three stages of heat emergency are serious. If you live in hot climates or play sports in the summertime, you should know how to spot the symptoms of heat emergency.

Research indicates that the upper temperature limit for humans is probably between 40°C, or 104°F, and 50°C, or 122°F.

If possible, try to stay in the shade and drink plenty of water. Dr. Jesse Bell of the UNMC College of Public Health also says to not only to watch out for yourself, but also look out for the signs of exhaustion in people around you.