Extreme heat

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In this section (5)

The heat index
Before
During
Cars and pets
After a heat wave

Heat is one of the weather hazards that kills the most people in the U.S., and it does so silently. In many areas, days over 100 °F (38 °C) with nights that do not drop below 80 °F (27 °C) are common, and then the body never gets to rest. The most vulnerable are older adults, babies, people with chronic illnesses, people who work outdoors, and pets.

The heat index

The heat index combines temperature and humidity: it is what the body feels. In direct sun it can be up to 15 °F (8 °C) higher than the shade value.

The heat index
Category (NWS)	Heat index	Effects with prolonged exposure or exertion
Caution	80–90 °F (27–32 °C)	Fatigue.
Extreme caution	90–103 °F (32–39 °C)	Possible cramps, exhaustion, or heat stroke.
Danger	103–124 °F (39–51 °C)	Cramps or exhaustion likely; heat stroke possible.
Extreme danger	125 °F (52 °C) or higher	Heat stroke highly likely.

Before

Check your air conditioning before hot weather starts and change the filter. Report problems to your landlord or property manager in writing: in extreme heat it is a maintenance emergency.
Thermal curtains or blinds on windows that face the afternoon sun.
Plan B if the power goes out: locate your nearest cooling center.
A thermometer inside your home or apartment to know when it becomes dangerous.

During

Stay in air conditioning during the hottest hours. When the temperature is in the high 90s °F (36–37 °C), a fan gives relief but does not prevent heat illness; cool off with water or go somewhere with air conditioning.
Drink water even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcohol and very sugary drinks.
Do outdoor activities early in the morning or at dusk. Wear light, loose, light-colored clothing, a hat, and sunscreen.
Check twice a day on older neighbors or those who live alone.
Recognize heat stroke: confusion, hot skin, fainting. It is an emergency: call 911 and cool the person right away (chapter 7).

Cars and pets

DANGER

The inside of a car can heat up 20 °F (11 °C) in just 10 minutes. Cracking the windows or parking in the shade barely helps. A child heats up 3 to 5 times faster than an adult and can die in a car even when it is 60 °F (16 °C) outside. Never leave a person or a pet in a parked car, "not even for a minute." If you see a child or a pet locked in a car or in a truck bed, write down the description and the license plate and call 911.

Before walking your dog, touch the pavement with the back of your hand; if you cannot hold it there for a few seconds, it is too hot for their paws. Walk them early.

Fresh water always available for your pets, in more than one bowl.

Check the rules in your state or county: in many places it is required to provide pets with water, shade, and adequate shelter, and chaining them year-round is prohibited.

Signs of heat stroke in pets: heavy panting, drooling, very red gums, weakness, vomiting. Take the pet to the shade, wet it with cool (not ice-cold) water, and call the veterinarian.

After a heat wave

Keep drinking water; the fatigue can last for days.
Check that the food in the refrigerator has not spoiled if there was a power outage (chapter 9).