Heat Safety
Heat is one of the leading weather-related causes of death in the United States, resulting in over 1,000 fatalities each year, according to the CDC.
STAYING SAFE & COOL
Slow Down
Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities until the coolest time of the day. Children, seniors, and anyone with health problems should stay in the coolest available place, not necessarily indoors.
Dress Cool
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing to reflect heat.
Eat Light
Choose easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
Drink Plenty of Water
Focus on non-alcoholic and decaffeinated fluids. Drink water even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Use Air Conditioners
Spend time in air-conditioned locations when possible.
Limit Time in the Sun
Sunburn reduces your body’s ability to dissipate heat.
Take a Cool Bath or Shower
Do Not Take Salt Tablets
Only take salt tablets if recommended by a physician.
Be Aware of Infants, Older, Sick, or Frail People and Pets
Each year, dozens of children and untold numbers of pets left in parked vehicles die from hyperthermia. Never leave children, disabled adults, or pets in a car.
Protect Your Electronics
Don’t leave cell phones and GPS units sitting in hot cars.
Who's at risk?
- Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and death, as their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than are adults.
- Older adults, particularly those with pre-existing diseases, who take certain medications, are living alone or with limited mobility, and are exposed to extreme heat can experience multiple adverse effects.
- People with chronic medical conditions are more likely to have serious health problems during a heat wave than healthy people.
- Pregnant women are also at higher risk. Extreme heat events have been associated with adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, and infant mortality, as well as congenital cataracts.