Protecting Your Home & Family from Extreme Heat
When temperatures climb, your body must work harder to stay cool, and that can lead to serious health problems if you’re not prepared. Heat waves are responsible for more weather‑related deaths than any other hazard, but most heat‑related illnesses are preventable. With a little preparation and knowledge, you can protect your family when temperatures soar.
Extreme Heat
What is Extreme Heat?
What may be considered extremely hot for one person could be seen as typical for another, depending on their usual climate. However, there are definitional characteristics:
Temperatures that are significantly higher than the average for that time of year and reach dangerously high levels.
The combination of heat and humidity makes the air feel even hotter and more oppressive.
Who is Most at Risk?
While everyone is susceptible to heat-related illnesses, there are some that are more at risk than others.
older adults, children, the sick, the overweight, those with mental illness or chronic diseases
dehydration, prescription drug use, poor circulation, sunburn, alcohol use, those working outdoors, those without air conditioning in the home or car
Before Extreme Heat Sets In
There are many steps you can take, inside and out, that will keep your home cooler in hot summer months. The trick is to take these steps beforehand.
#1 Exterior of Your Home
- Install Exterior Solar Screens: Solar screens are like sunglasses for your windows. They are designed to block and absorb up to 90% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, while still allowing natural light and ventilation to enter your home. Note that visibility to the outside will be reduced and the screens must be removed for window cleaning. In areas with intense sunlight, they will start to fade after three years. At 10 years, they will likely need to be replaced.
- Install Awnings: Placing awnings over windows that get direct sunlight helps block out much of the heat.
- Plant Trees: Planting trees and other vegetation is a very effective strategy. Trees provide shade that can reduce the temperature underneath by up to 25°F.
#2 windows, doors, and walls
- Seal Cracks and Openings: Make sure there are no cracks or openings in your walls, doors, or windows where hot air can seep in.
- Weather-Strip Doors and Windows: If you have storm windows up for the winter, consider keeping them up year-round as they help keep the heat out as well.
- Install a UV-blocking Window Film: This interior window film is an alternative to the exterior solar screen. While it may not block as much heat, it will allow for 100% visibility.
- Use Light-Colored Blinds or Shades: Light colors reflect heat, so using light-colored blinds or shades can help reduce the amount of heat that enters your home through the windows.
- Add Heat-Blocking Curtains: Heat-blocking curtains, also known as thermal or blackout curtains, are designed to insulate your home and reduce energy costs. They trap the air between the fabric and the window which slows the transfer of heat. They provide an extra layer of UV protection, block light, and help reduce noise from the outside.
- Insulate Walls: Wall insulation plays a crucial role in maintaining indoor temperature. The better the quality, the more heat will be blocked from entering the house.
#3 Ceiling fans & air conditioners
- Install Ceiling Fans: Ceiling fans can help circulate the air and make a room feel cooler. Most rooms in a house can be fitted with a ceiling fan. However, the fan blades must be at least 7 feet above the floor and because electrical wiring is involved, you may find it best to hire a professional electrician.
- Install Window Air Conditioners: These work well for smaller spaces in conjunction with a central AC unit in rooms that tend to heat up more than other rooms in the house.
- Install a Powered Attic Fan: Because heat naturally moves from warmer areas to cooler ones, heat from a hot attic will transfer to your living spaces, making your home hotter than it needs to be. To avoid this happening, you can install an attic fan. The fan draws out hot air and replaces it with fresh air. This improves ventilation and regulates the attic’s temperature.
#4 other helpful tips
- Install Energy-Efficient Appliances: Some appliances generate a lot of heat when they’re in use. Energy-efficient appliances not only use less energy but also generate less heat.
- Avoid Using the Oven: The oven can significantly increase the temperature in your kitchen. Consider using an outdoor grill or eating cold meals to avoid heating up your home.
- Keep Doors Shut: Block off any room that tends to get hotter than others.
- Have a Place to Go: Have a plan in place for other places you can go should you have to get out of the heat such as your local library, shopping mall, grocery store, a friend or family’s house, or your local cooling shelter - if your city has one.
#5 Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can be a lifeline during periods of extreme heat, especially if high cooling costs or needed home repairs are out of reach. LIHEAP helps eligible households pay for cooling bills, reduce energy burdens, and access weatherization services that make homes safer and more efficient during dangerous heat waves. Support may include help with utility payments, emergency assistance to prevent shutoffs, or repairs to keep essential cooling equipment functioning.
If you’re struggling to afford cooling, weatherization, or energy‑related home repairs, reach out to LIHEAP to see what assistance is available in your area. Programs vary by state, but many offer both immediate relief and longer‑term improvements that can reduce your risk during future heat events. Applying early - before temperatures peak - can make it easier to get the help you need.
During Extreme Heat
There are things we can do during an extreme heat spell that will help mitigate its potential severity to ourselves and to those we love.
#1 Actions to take
During a heat wave, small choices throughout the day can make a big difference in keeping your body cool and reducing strain on your home. Use the tips below to stay as cool, comfortable, and safe as possible until temperatures return to normal.
Helpful Actions
- Eating & Drinking: Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated while avoiding sugary beverages. Eat small meals and eat more often but be sure to avoid heavy, high-protein meals. Also, avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician. Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home.
- Indoor Tips: Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and take cool showers or baths.
- Stay Indoors: Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors, during midday heat, if possible.
- Driving: If you must drive, be aware of the temperature in your car. Don’t let it get too hot inside the car if you’re traveling with children or pets. Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day.
- Check on Others: Check on family members, older adults, and neighbors. If air conditioning is not available, go to a place such as the grocery store, a local mall, or a cooling shelter in your area - see the tip below.
#2 Recognizing heat related illnesses
In periods of intense heat and humidity, the body’s natural cooling mechanisms can be overwhelmed. If a person’s body temperature rises faster than the body’s ability to cool itself down, a heat-related illness can result which can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs. Recognizing the signs of excessive heat exposure and knowing how to respond appropriately is crucial. Learn the signs of heat-related illnesses so you can help.
Heat Cramps
Heat cramps may seem mild at first, but they’re an important warning sign that your body is struggling to cope with extreme heat. These painful muscle spasms often occur during heavy activity in hot conditions, especially when you’ve been sweating a lot and losing salt and fluids. Even though heat cramps are less severe than heat exhaustion or heat stroke, they signal that your body’s cooling system is under strain.
Symptoms
- Painful involuntary muscle cramps and spasms
- Usually in the arms, legs, and stomach
- Heavy sweating
Actions
- Apply firm pressure on cramping muscles or gently massage to relieve the spasm.
- Give sips of water unless the person complains of nausea.
- Seek immediate medical help if the cramps last longer than one hour.
Heat Exhaustion
Heat exhaustion is a serious health risk that can occur during periods of extreme heat. If not promptly treated, it can progress to heat stroke, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Furthermore, the physical stress of heat exhaustion can exacerbate existing health conditions and lead to long-term complications. Recognizing the symptoms of heat exhaustion is crucial in preventing its onset and escalation.
Symptoms
- Heavy sweating
- Weakness or tiredness
- Cool to the touch
- Pale & clammy skin
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle cramps
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Fainting
Actions
- Move the person to a cooler environment, preferably a well-air-conditioned room.
- Loosen or remove excess clothing.
- Apply cool, wet clothes or have the person sit in a cool bath.
- Offer sips of water.
- Seek immediate medical attention if the person vomits, symptoms worsen, or last longer than 1 hour.
Heat Stroke
Heat stroke is the most severe form of heat-related illness and poses a serious threat during extreme heat. It occurs when the body’s temperature regulation fails, and body temperature rises to critical levels. The dangers of heat stroke are grave, as it can cause damage to vital organs and can be fatal if not treated immediately. Understanding the symptoms of heat stroke is essential for early detection and treatment.
Symptoms
- High body temperature of 104°F (40°C)
- Rapid breathing
- Increased heart rate
- Confusion
- Agitation
- Slurred speech
- Irritability
- Delirium
- Seizures
- Loss of consciousness
- Coma
- Flushed or reddened skin
- Throbbing headache
- Nausea & vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
Actions
- Call 911 or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal.
- Move the victim to a cooler, preferably air-conditioned, environment.
- Reduce body temperature with cool cloths, a bath, or whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.
- Use a fan only when ambient heat index temperatures are below 95°F, as fans may worsen heat stress at higher temperatures.
- Do not give fluids.
#3 Cooling Centers
If you or someone you know cannot get out of the heat, consider going to a cooling center (also called a cooling shelter). These are public facilities opened during extreme heat events to provide a safe, air‑conditioned place to cool down.
Find a Center in Your Area
Cooling centers are important for people without reliable home cooling or for those experiencing homelessness. Many centers offer water, seating, and a place to rest, and some communities may provide transportation support when available.
The availability and services vary by state and county, and not every community activates them for every heat wave. To find out whether cooling centers are open in your area, call 211 or visit www.211.org and enter your ZIP code to reach your local 211 provider. They can give you up‑to‑date information on nearby cooling locations and any transportation options your community may offer.
#4 Caring for your pets
As the mercury rises, it’s not just humans who feel the heat. Our furry friends, cats, dogs, rabbits, and more, also experience the effects of extreme temperatures. Ensuring their well-being during these times is crucial. Just like us, they can suffer from heatstroke and dehydration, which can lead to serious health complications if not addressed promptly. Therefore, caring for your pets during extreme heat is not only a responsibility but a necessity. Here are some good rules to live by when considering your pet’s safety during hot weather.
Keeping Your Pet Safe Indoors
- Keep Water Needs Met: Keep the water dish full. Check it often and refill as needed so your pet never runs out.
- Provide the Right Environment: Make sure your pet has a cool, shaded resting spot, away from direct sunlight or warm surfaces.
- Ideal Temperature: Keep the indoor temperatures below 80°F. A cooler home helps prevent heat stress, especially for older pets, flat‑faced breeds, and animals with health conditions.
- Dogs: Most Dogs will start overheating between 81° to 85° F so try to keep your indoor temperature between 75° to 78° F. When you leave your house, never set your thermostat higher than 82° F.
- Cats: Most cats feel uncomfortable at around 90°F, which can trigger panting as they try to cool down. The recommended ideal temperature for a cat is under 80°F.
- Monitor Indoor Humidity: High humidity makes it harder for pets to cool themselves. Aim to keep humidity below 60% by using fans, AC, or a dehumidifier.
Keeping Your Pet Safe Outdoors
- Limit Outdoor Time: Keep walks and bathroom breaks short, especially during the hottest parts of the day.
- Avoid Hot Pavement. Asphalt and concrete can burn paws quickly. If the ground is too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for your pet’s feet.
- Provide Shade and Cool Water: If your pet must be outside briefly, make sure they have access to shade and fresh, cool water at all times. Consider using dog boots to protect paws from hot pavement.
- Skip Strenuous Activity: Avoid running, hiking, or vigorous play until temperatures drop.
- Watch for Signs of Heat Stress: Heavy panting, drooling, weakness, or confusion mean it’s time to get your pet indoors and cooled down immediately.
Never Leave Pets in a Parked Car
- Never Leave Your Pet in a Parked Car: Not even for a minute. Temperatures rise dangerously fast and can be fatal.
- Cracked Windows Don’t Help: A car’s interior can climb nearly 20°F in just 10 minutes, even with windows slightly open.
- Mild Weather is Still Risky: Even on cooler days, cars can heat to life‑threatening temperatures much faster than most people expect.
- Catastophic Results: Pets can suffer heatstroke, organ failure, or death in a very short time because they cannot cool themselves effectively in a confined, overheated space.
- Leave Your Pet at Home: Take your pet with you or leave them at home. If you need to run errands, bring your pet inside with you or plan ahead so they can stay safely indoors.
#5 Recognizing heat-related illnesses in Pets
Just like humans, pets can develop heat related illnesses, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, when their bodies can no longer cool themselves effectively. Heatstroke is a life threatening emergency, and early symptoms can be subtle. Your pet does not need to show all symptoms for a heat related illness to be present - even one or two signs should be taken seriously.
Dogs - Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness
- Restless behavior or agitation
- Heavy panting or excessive drooling
- Sweaty paw pads
- Fatigue or weakness
- Muscle tremors
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Confusion or disorientation
- Seizures
- Rapid heart rate
- Fast or labored breathing
- Raspy or noisy breathing
- Wobbly or unsteady movement
- Excessive thirst
What to Do: Move your dog to a cooler environment immediately and offer fresh water. If symptoms are severe - such as seizures, collapse, or unconsciousness - or if they do not improve quickly, seek emergency veterinary care. Heatstroke requires immediate medical attention.
Cats - Symptoms of Heat-Related Illness
- Panting
- Open mouth breathing
- Trouble breathing
- vomiting or diarrhea
- Increased heart rate
- Seizures
- Excessive drooling
- Fapid breathing
- Signs of respiratory distress
What to Do: Cats can overheat quickly when temperatures rise. If your cat is panting or showing any signs of heat stress, move them to a cool, quiet area and provide fresh water. If symptoms continue or worsen, contact a veterinarian right away. Heatstroke in cats is a medical emergency.
After Extreme Heat
Extreme heat can take a toll on people, pets, and homes. Once temperatures drop, it’s helpful to take a moment to recover, check on others, and prepare for the next event. These simple steps can make the transition smoother and strengthen your readiness for future heat waves.
#1 Check on People and Pets
- Family Wellness Check: Make sure everyone in your household is feeling well and recovering from the physical strain of the heat. Some people may need a day or two of rest to fully rebound.
- When to Seek Medical Care: If anyone exhibits persistent dizziness or fainting, confusion or disorientation, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, or difficulty breathing. If pets collapse or show disorientation or neurological symptoms.
- Pet Wellness Check: Observe your pets and make sure they are not suffering from any heat-related issues, especially if they have been outside. As explained earlier, heat-related illnesses can be deadly in animals.
- Check on Neighbors: Reach out to older adults, people with medical conditions, and anyone who may have struggled during the heat. A quick check in can make a real difference.
- Emotional Well Being: Heat waves can be stressful. Irritability, disrupted sleep, and anxiety are common afterward. Acknowledge the strain and give everyone space to decompress.
#2 Rehydrate and Recover
- Rehydrate: Encourage everyone to drink water throughout the day, even after temperatures drop. Heat stress can leave the body dehydrated long after the heat wave ends. This goes for pets as well. Make sure their water dishes are full and that they are drinking too.
- Rest: Fatigue is common after prolonged heat exposure. Lighten schedules if possible and allow time for recovery.
- Cool Down Gradually: If indoor temperatures remained high, avoid sudden exertion. Let your body adjust as your home cools.
#3 Assess Your Home and Supplies
- Restock Supplies: Replace any water, electrolytes, pet supplies, cooling packs, or other items used during the heat wave.
- Check Appliances: Make sure fans, air conditioners, and cooling devices are functioning properly. Clean filters and look for signs of strain or needed repairs.
- Indoor Air Quality Reset: Once outdoor air quality is safe (no wildfire smoke or ozone alerts), open windows briefly to flush out trapped heat and stale indoor air. Clean or replace air purifier filters if used heavily.
- Inspect Your Home: Look for heat related issues such as warped doors, damaged plants, or signs of stress on electrical systems.
- Outdoor Safety Check: : Examine yards, trees, irrigation lines, decking, and plastic or rubber items that may have warped or degraded in the heat.
- Pool & Water Feature Check: If you have a pool, check water levels and equipment - pumps often work harder during extreme heat.
#4 Check Food, Medication, and Power Dependent Items
- Refrigerator & Freezer Temperatures: Confirm that food stayed below 40°F. If your fridge struggled or power flickered, some items may need to be discarded.
- Medication Safety: Many medications lose effectiveness if stored above recommended temperatures. Check any that may have been exposed to heat, especially those kept in bathrooms, cars, or non air conditioned rooms.
- Heat Sensitive Items: Inspect candles, batteries, electronics, and pet food stored in garages or sheds - some may have softened, leaked, or degraded.
#5 Review and Improve Your Plan
- Revisit Your Emergency Plan: Think about what worked well and what didn’t. Did you have enough water? Did indoor temperatures stay manageable? Did anyone struggle more than expected?
- Make Adjustments: Add missing supplies, rethink any home improvements that could help your home stay cooler, update your communication plan, or identify cooling options (like libraries or cooling centers) for next time.
- Community Awareness: Check for local utility updates, water restrictions, or extended heat advisories. Report any damaged public infrastructure you noticed during the heat.
- Take Notes: If the heat wave caused health issues, appliance failures, or other impacts, jot them down. This helps with future planning and, in some cases, may support insurance or assistance claims.