How to Stay Safe During Extreme Heat

LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable, it can also be deadly.

Health officials define an extreme heat event as two to three days or more of high temperatures and humidity, typically above 90 degrees. During these stretches, the body has to work harder to stay at a normal temperature, increasing the risk of severe illness and death.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the U.S., contributing to more than 1,000 deaths each year. Even short periods outdoors can strain the body and lead to heat-related illness.

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Who is most at risk?

While anyone can get sick in extreme heat, some groups are more vulnerable, according to The Impacts of Climate Change on Human Health in the United States: A Scientific Assessment:

• Infants and young children, whose bodies don’t adjust to heat as well as adults
• Older adults, especially those with pre-existing health conditions, limited mobility, certain medications, or those living alone
• People with chronic medical conditions, who are more likely to face serious complications during a heat wave
• Pregnant women, as extreme heat has been linked to adverse birth outcomes, including preterm birth and low birth weight

Officials recommend checking on friends, neighbors, and family members in these groups — especially anyone without air conditioning.

How to prepare for extreme heat

Experts say planning ahead can reduce health risks. Key steps include:

• Learn the warning signs of heat illness
• Don’t rely on a fan as your main cooling method — it can create a false sense of comfort
• Know where you can cool off, such as libraries, malls, or local cooling centers
• Keep your home cooler by covering windows, sealing drafts, adding insulation, and using window reflectors
• If cooling costs are unaffordable, residents may qualify for help through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

Tips to stay safe and cool

• Never leave people or pets in a closed car
• If you don’t have air conditioning, go to a cooling center or another air-conditioned building
• Take cool showers or baths
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing
• Limit oven use to avoid heating your home
• If outdoors, seek shade and wear a wide-brim hat
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Avoid strenuous activity during midday heat when possible
• Check on older adults, family members, and neighbors
• Make sure pets have water and shade; hot pavement can burn paws

Recognizing heat-related illness

During hot, humid weather, the body may struggle to cool itself. If too much fluid or salt is lost through sweating and dehydration, body temperature can rise quickly.

Heat cramps may be an early warning sign.

• Symptoms: painful muscle cramps (often legs/abdomen), heavy sweating
• What to do: gently massage the muscle; offer small sips of water unless nausea occurs
• Seek medical care if cramps last longer than an hour

Heat exhaustion is more serious.

• Symptoms: heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, headache, fainting
• What to do: move to a cool place, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths or a cool bath, sip water
• Get medical attention if vomiting occurs, symptoms worsen, or last longer than an hour

Heat stroke is a life-threatening emergency.

• Symptoms: confusion, severe headache, nausea, body temperature above 103°F, hot red skin, rapid strong pulse, fainting or loss of consciousness
• What to do: call 911 immediately, move the person to a cooler place, cool with cloths or a bath
• Do not give fluids

Make a family plan this summer

With kids home for summer, safety officials also encourage families to review emergency preparedness:

• Create a family emergency communication plan with an out-of-state contact
• Build a disaster supply kit or go-bag for home and car
• Include pets in your emergency plan
• Teach children how and when to call 911 and other important numbers
• Choose a family meeting place in case you get separated

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