Extreme Heat Safety

Gather Emergency Supplies

Gather food, water and medicine. Stores might be closed. Organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit. In the event of a power outage, you may lose access to clean drinking water. Set aside at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day. Consider adding drinks with electrolytes. Include sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats.

• Go-Kit: at least three days of supplies that you can carry with you. Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.).
• Stay-at-Home Kit: at least two weeks of supplies.
• Have a 1-month supply of medication in a child-proof container and medical supplies or equipment.
• Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up).

Consider keeping a list of your medications and dosages on a small card to carry with you.

Make a Plan to Stay Cool

Do not rely only on electric fans during extreme heat. When temperatures are in the high 90s, fans may not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.

• Spending a few hours each day in air conditioning can help prevent heat illness.
  • If you have air conditioning, be sure that it is in working order.
  • If you do not have air conditioning or if there is a power outage, find locations where you can stay cool. For example, a public library, shopping mall, or a public cooling center. Plan how you will get there.
  • Additional resources may be available from local government or community groups.
• Make sure you have plenty of lightweight, loose clothing to wear.
• Create a support team of people you may assist and who can assist you. Check in with them often to make sure that everyone is safe.