Protect Your Home from Extreme Heat

Heat stroke is a severe and life-threatening condition that can occur when the body’s temperature regulation system fails, and body temperature rises to a dangerous level. It is the most severe form of heat-related illness.

During heat stroke, the body cannot regulate its temperature through sweating, leading to a rapid rise in body temperature. This can cause damage to internal organs, particularly the brain, leading to severe complications or even death if left untreated.

Symptoms of heat stroke may include:

• High body temperature (above 103°F/39.4°C)
• Hot, dry skin or sweating
• Rapid pulse
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Confusion or disorientation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Call 911 immediately if you suspect someone is experiencing heat stroke. Take steps to lower the person’s body temperature. This may include moving them to a cool, shaded area, removing excess clothing, and applying cool water or ice packs to the skin.

Hospital-based treatment may include intravenous fluids, medications to lower body temperature, and monitoring for complications such as organ damage.

Early recognition and treatment of heat stroke are crucial to prevent serious complications or death.

1. Older adults are at risk because our bodies become less efficient at regulating body temperature, and our sweat glands become less responsive as we age. This makes it harder for elderly individuals to cool down during hot weather, putting them at greater risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
2. Young children are also at increased risk because their bodies are less able to regulate temperature than adults. They may also be less likely to recognize or communicate their symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
3. People with chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and obesity may have difficulty regulating body temperature during hot weather. Certain medications can also affect the body’s ability to regulate temperature, putting individuals at greater risk for heat-related illness.
4. People who work outdoors, particularly in direct sunlight, are at greater risk for heat exhaustion and heat stroke. This includes construction workers, landscapers, and agricultural workers.
5. Athletes participating in outdoor sports or people attending events during hot weather are at increased risk for heat-related illness, making adequate breaks and hydration essential.

Heat waves happen when a large high-pressure system stalls in an area, trapping warm air near the surface, suppressing clouds and wind, and preventing cooler overnight relief. That combination allows temperatures and humidity to build over days.

Main factors that drive a heat wave:

• A dome of high pressure that traps warm air
• Little or no wind to mix cooler air into surface layers
• Clear skies that allow strong solar heating by day and limited cooling by night
• Humid air that slows evaporation of sweat and raises the heat index

Heat waves may only last a few days, but their effects can persist for a week or more when conditions stay the same. Without relief at night, the risk to health, infrastructure, and homes builds quickly.

Typical durations:

• Short heat wave: 2 to 3 days
• Moderate heat wave: 4 to 7 days
• Extended heat wave: 7 or more days with little drop in overnight temperature

A heat wave can strain your body and your home’s cooling system, so proactive steps help protect everyone. These actions are important to address extreme heat before it overwhelms anyone.

Safety actions for your family:

• Stay in the coolest available space, preferably with air conditioning.
• Drink water regularly, even if you’re not thirsty, avoid alcohol or heavy caffeine, and take cool showers, if possible.
• Limit outdoor activity during the hottest part of the day, and plan active time for early mornings or late evenings.
• Check on family members, neighbors, and anyone vulnerable, such as older adults, children, or individuals with chronic health conditions.
• Know the warning signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, or heat stress, and call for help if someone begins to feel dizzy, weak, or confused.

Making your home as cool, comfortable, and resilient as possible will help during extreme heat.

Ways to keep your home cooler:

• Use ceiling fans or portable fans to circulate air, but remember, fans do not cool air; they only help with moving the cooler air around.
• Close blinds or curtains on windows that receive direct sunlight, and open windows at night if the outdoor air is cooler.
• Use light-colored or heat-reflective coverings and roof treatments when feasible.
• Make sure your air-conditioner, heat pump, or evaporative cooler is well-maintained, filters are clean, and airflow is unrestricted.
• Create a designated “cool room” in your home where you can spend the peak heat safely with minimal energy cost, and have backup plans such as cooling centers or evacuation to family or friends if your system fails.