What to Do When a Heat Warning Is Issued

Summer weather can be nice for a while—I love 90-degree weather so I can cool off in a cold pool—but many of us have been getting serious heat warnings lately. When the temperature and humidity are high enough, the weather can be downright dangerous. Here’s what you need to know about staying cool and staying safe.

What is a heat warning?

First, let’s talk about the difference between a “warning” and a watch or forecast. A warning is the most serious of the three. As the fire department famously explained with a taco analogy , a “taco watch” means we have the ingredients to make a taco. A taco warning means you better get ready because we’re about to eat a taco.

Here’s how the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration describes the three levels:

• The heat wave forecast means that abnormal heat may occur in the next three to seven days.

• A heat wave forecast means that weather conditions are such that a heat wave is likely in the next 24 to 72 hours.

• A heat wave warning means dangerously hot weather is expected in the next 12 to 24 hours. The Red Cross says this means it’s time to “take immediate precautions to avoid heat-related illness.”

• A heat warning means that dangerously hot conditions have already arrived.

You can find weather forecasts for your area, like the ones above, by going to weather.gov . The site’s home page features a large, color map that shows which areas are under watches or warnings, as well as what hazards exist. (Also included are warnings for fires, wind, and flooding.)

How to Avoid Dehydration in the Heat

Heat can be dangerous. If you get so hot that you can’t cool down, you’re susceptible to heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke .

So when it comes to taking care of yourself and checking in with others, be sure to:

• Drink enough water. Drinking enough water allows the body to cool itself through sweating. Drink before you feel thirsty and drink plenty of water; keep sugary and alcoholic drinks to a minimum.

• Get electrolytes . You lose sodium through sweat, but a normal meal is usually enough to replace it. Sports drinks and electrolyte tablets are also convenient.

• Talk to your doctor if you have a medical condition that requires careful monitoring of your fluid or electrolyte levels. They can give you more specific recommendations for how much fluid to drink. Also find out if any of your medications might make you more sensitive to extreme heat; some do.

Note for those who sweat a lot, especially athletes and those who work outdoors: Usually, simply drinking when you feel thirsty is enough, and your body will take care of maintaining your hydration balance. But in extreme conditions, this may not be enough, since your body can only absorb a limited amount of water per hour. If you sweat out water faster than your digestive system can absorb it, it is difficult to maintain your hydration balance. Therefore, it is recommended to start your day or workout with extra fluids.

How to stay cool in the heat

First, spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, find places where you can spend time that are air-conditioned. This could be a friend’s or relative’s home, or a public place like a mall or library. Communities often have cooling stations for people suffering from heat. If you can’t find one, contact your local health department by using this directory for direct links to a list of cooling stations , or call 211.

When going outside, wear light, loose clothing and spend as much time as possible in the shade. Take water with you. Don’t forget sunscreen if you’re going to be in the sun, and remember that not all sunscreens are sweat-resistant .

Early morning and late evening are the least hot times to be outside. Use these times to exercise, work outside, or do other physical activities. Schedule time to rest in the shade as needed, such as when you’re going shopping.

Electric fans are great for cooling in moderate heat, but at temperatures above 90°F (32°C) , a fan alone won’t cool you enough to prevent heatstroke . Use an air conditioner or take a cold shower or bath.

How to Care for Your Loved Ones During a Heat Wave

The same advice you give yourself applies to others, including children, pets, and elderly neighbors. Never leave children or pets in a car in hot weather, even for a short time. When you get out of the car, make sure everyone is out.

If you know people who don’t have air conditioning, be sure to check in on them. An estimated 80% of deaths from extreme heat occur in people over 60 , so be sure to check in on the elderly in your community. Find out if they can keep cool on their own or if they need to be taken to a cooling station. Check on their pets, too.

The Red Cross recommends checking older adults and people with chronic medical conditions at least twice a day and asking the following questions:

• Do they drink enough water?

• Do they have access to air conditioning?

• Can they keep their cool?

• Are they showing any signs of heat stress?

Know the signs of heat stroke

Heat exhaustion occurs when we are unable to cool ourselves down sufficiently. It is not yet an emergency, but it can quickly get worse. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and fainting may accompany heat exhaustion. The skin is usually cold, pale, clammy, and sweaty. If you are vomiting from the heat or the symptoms last for more than an hour, it is time to seek medical attention.

Heatstroke is the next stage, and it is an emergency. Call 911 if someone has a high body temperature (over 103° F), appears confused or drunk, has lost consciousness, or has stopped sweating and their skin is red and hot. More information can be found here .

In either case, it’s important to cool the victim. (If you called 911, do this while you wait for help.) Loosen clothing and consider taking a cold bath or shower, or cover the victim with cool, damp cloths. You can offer him sips of water if he’s suffering from heat exhaustion, but skip this step if he’s showing signs of heat stroke.

If you find all this hard to remember, the Red Cross has a printable fact sheet that includes tips for staying cool, as well as a chart with symptoms and first aid for heatstroke.

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