Cooling Centers
In the event of extreme and unsafe heat, you may choose to go to your nearest free cooling center, especially if you lack access to air conditioning or adequate ventilation.
Find your closest cooling center here. Do not hesitate to seek them out as needed.
Identifying Heat Exhaustion
Be aware of the warning signs of heat exhaustion so that you can act quickly in an emergency. Heat exhaustion is a form of heat-related illness that can develop after several days of exposure to high temperatures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. Those most prone to heat exhaustion are infants, elderly people, people with high blood pressure and people working or exercising in a hot environment.
Warning signs of exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting and fainting. The skin may be cool and moist. The victim may experience a fast and weak pulse and fast and shallow breathing. If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat stroke.
Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms are severe or if the victim has heart problems or high blood pressure. Otherwise, help the victim to cool off and seek medical attention if symptoms last longer than one hour or worsen.
Avoiding Dehydration
To avoid becoming dehydrated, it is important to drink plenty of fluids, especially water. This is particularly true on days when temperatures reach 90 degrees Fahrenheit and higher. Do not wait until you get thirsty, but instead drink to prevent thirst. Dehydration is particularly dangerous for young children and older adults.
Babies up until 6 months usually only need breast milk or formula. Babies from 6 to 12 months may receive some foods and juices that contain water. They may be offered 2 to 4 ounces of juice from a cup each day. On very hot days, they should be given a maximum of 4 to 8 ounces of sterilized water each day.
Adults should drink 64 ounces of water each day, equivalent to half of a gallon. When exposed to temperatures reaching 90 degrees Fahrenheit and higher, you should drink even more water.
In the event of severe dehydration, such as when a person becomes irritable, disoriented, or much sleepier or less active than usual as a result of dehydration or cannot keep fluids down, seek medical attention immediately.