Extreme Heat Safety Tips

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extreme heat

What is Extreme Heat?

Extreme heat is a prolonged period of very hot weather, which may include high humidity. In Massachusetts, a “heat wave” is usually defined as a period of three or more consecutive days above 90 °F.

Why prepare?

Extreme heat can be dangerous and even life-threatening if proper precautions are not taken. In extreme heat and high humidity, the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

Most heat-related illnesses occur because the victim has been over-exposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Although anyone can suffer from a heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Those at greater risk include older adults, young children, and those who are sick or overweight.


What to Do During Heat Waves

Never leave children or pets alone in a closed vehicle. Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures can rise almost 20°F within 10 minutes.

Slow down and avoid strenuous activity.

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect heat and sunlight, and help maintain normal body temperature.

Drink plenty of water — even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink, ask how much you should drink during hot weather.

Eat well-balanced, light, regular meals.

Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time.

If you must be outdoors, limit your outdoor activity to the morning and evening hours. Try to rest often in shady areas so your body temperature will have a chance to recover. Use sunscreen with a high SPF and wear a wide-brimmed hat.

If you do not have air conditioning, stay on your lowest floor, out of the sun. Use fans to stay cool and avoid using your stove and oven. Consider spending time in air-conditioned public spaces, such as schools, libraries, theaters, and other community facilities.

Check with your local authorities or call 2-1-1 to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you. If a power outage occurs during a heat wave, you may need to take additional precautions or go to a cooling center or emergency shelter to stay cool.

Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, those who may need additional assistance, and those who may not have air conditioning.

Know the symptoms of and watch out for heat-related illnesses. Call 9-1-1 to report medical emergencies.

hot cars
hydration and dress
sun care
cooling indoors
heat cramps
heat exhaustion
call 911

Types of Heat-Related Illnesses

During extreme heat, people are susceptible to three basic heat-related illnesses: heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Learn how to recognize and respond to them.

Heat cramps are muscular pains and spasms caused by heavy sweating.

        Symptoms: Muscular pains and spasms that usually occur in the legs or abdomen

        Treatment: Rest in a comfortable position in a cooler place. Drink water with a snack or fluids with electrolytes to help you rehydrate.

Heat exhaustion typically occurs when people overexert themselves in a warm, humid place, and often affects those doing strenuous work in hot weather. Body fluids are lost through heavy sweating and blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to vital organs to decrease. This results in a form of mild shock.  

        Symptoms: Cool, moist, pale or flushed skin; nausea; dizziness; headache; weakness and/or exhaustion

        Treatment: Rest in a comfortable position in a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths, such as towels or sheets, to skin on the head and torso. If a patient is conscious, give them half a glass of cool water or fluids with electrolytes every 15 minutes, making sure they drink slowly. Watch carefully for changes in your condition and call 9-1-1 if it doesn’t improve.

Heat stroke is the most serious heat emergency, and is life-threatening. Heat stroke develops when systems in the body begin to stop functioning due to extreme heat. Heat stroke may cause brain damage or death if the body is not cooled quickly.  

        Symptoms: Extremely high body temperature; hot and red skin (dry or moist); loss of consciousness; changes in level of responsiveness and/or confusion; rapid and weak pulse; rapid and shallow breathing; vomiting; seizures

        Treatment: A person suffering from heat stroke needs immediate assistance. Call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place. Immerse the individual in a cool bath, wrap them in cold, wet sheets, or cover them in bags of ice.