Extreme Heat and Heat Wave Preparedness Guide

Extreme heat can disrupt normal routines, increase demand on electricity, and make homes or outdoor activities uncomfortable or unsafe. Prepare before the hottest conditions arrive and follow local heat alerts and emergency instructions.

Know local risk

Follow forecasts and official heat alerts. Identify a cooler place you can use if your home becomes too hot and learn where local cooling locations are available.

Prepare the home

Reduce direct sun where practical, maintain cooling equipment according to manufacturer instructions, and include loss of cooling in the household power-outage plan.

Water and food

Keep safe drinking water available and foods that require little or no cooking. Anyone who follows individualized fluid or dietary instructions should continue to follow those established instructions.

Adjust plans for hot periods

When possible, move strenuous outdoor tasks to cooler periods, use shade, and schedule breaks. Never leave children, dependent adults, or animals unattended in parked vehicles.

Know when to get help

Review current public-health information about heat-related illness. For severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, use local emergency medical services and follow official guidance.

Prepare for outages

Keep phones and backup power devices charged, have flashlights available, and know where you could relocate if cooling is unavailable. Follow existing storage instructions for temperature-sensitive medications or equipment.