BE PREPARED FOR EXTREME HEAT Extreme heat often results in the highest annual number of deaths among all weather-related disasters. FEMA V-1004/June 2018 In most of the U.S., extreme heat is a long period (2 to 3 days) of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees. Greater risk Can happen anywhere Humidity increases the feeling of heat as measured by a heat index IF YOU ARE UNDER AN EXTREME HEAT WARNING Check on family members Find air conditioning, if possible. and neighbors. Avoid strenuous activities. Drink plenty of fluids. Watch for heat cramps, heat Watch for heat illness. exhaustion, and heat stroke. Wear light clothing. Never leave people or pets in a closed car. HOW TO STAY SAFE WHEN EXTREME HEAT THREATENS Prepare Be Safe Recognize NOW DURING +RESPOND Find places in your community where Never leave a child, adult, or animal Know the signs and ways to treat you can go to get cool. alone inside a vehicle on a warm day. heat-related illness. Try to keep your home cool: Find places with air conditioning. Heat Cramps Libraries, shopping malls, and • Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in • Cover windows with drapes community centers can provide a cool the stomach, arms, or legs. or shades. place to take a break from the heat. • Actions: Go to a cooler location. • Weather-strip doors and Wear a If you’re outside, find shade. Remove excess clothing. Take windows. hat wide enough to protect your face. sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if • Use window reflectors such as Wear loose, lightweight, light- cramps last more than an hour. aluminum foil-covered cardboard colored clothing. to reflect heat back outside. Drink plenty of fluids to stay Heat Exhaustion • Add insulation to keep the hydrated. If you or someone you care • Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, heat out. for is on a special diet, ask a doctor muscle cramps, tiredness, what would be best. weakness, dizziness, headache, • Use a powered attic ventilator, or nausea or vomiting, and fainting. attic fan, to regulate the heat level Do not use electric fans when the of a building’s attic by clearing temperature outside is more than • Actions: Go to an air-conditioned hot air. 95 degrees. You could increase the place and lie down. Loosen or risk of heat-related illness. Fans create remove clothing. Take a cool • Install window air conditioners air flow and a false sense of comfort, bath. Take sips of cool sports and insulate around them. but do not reduce body temperature. drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get Learn to recognize the signs of Avoid high-energy activities. worse or last more than an hour. heat illness. For more information visit: www.cdc.gov/disasters/ Check yourself, family members, Heat Stroke extremeheat/warning.html. and neighbors for signs of heat- related illness. • Signs: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) indicated by an oral thermometer; red, hot, and dry Take an Active Role skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; and in Your Safety unconsciousness. Go to Ready.gov and • Actions: Call 9-1-1 or get the search for extreme heat. person to a hospital immediately. Download the FEMA app to Cool down with whatever get more information about methods are available until preparing for extreme heat. medical help arrives. FEMA V-1004 Catalog No. 17233-5.