Extreme Heat

What is it?

A prolonged period of excessively warm weather.

Doing too much on a hot day, spending too much time in the sun, or staying too long in an overheated place can cause heat-related illnesses.

Before the extreme heat:

Install air conditioning.
Insulate around window air conditioners, ducts, and doors. Weather-strip doors and window sills.
Consider leaving storm windows up all year. They can help keep heat out during the summer months as well as keeping the cold out in the winter.
Install reflective film or shades on windows. Outdoor louvers or awnings can reduce the heat entering a house by as much as 80 percent.
Use fans to keep the cool air circulating.
Plant deciduous trees around your house that block the heat in summer and let the sun shine through in winter.

During periods of extreme heat:

Slow down. Your body can't operate as efficiently in high temperatures and humidity.
Dress in lightweight, light-colored clothing to help maintain a normal body temperature.
Drink plenty of water while the hot spell lasts.
Avoid thermal shock. Acclimate yourself gradually to warmer weather.
Try to get out of the heat for at least a few hours each day. If you can't do this at home, go to a cool store, restaurant, or theater - anything to keep your exposure time down.
Don't get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.