This article is sponsored by Liberty Mutual.
Key Takeaways
Extreme heat waves have become more frequent and intense. As our planet adapts to our changing environment, experts believe that there is an even greater chance that more regions of the country will experience excessive heat waves of greater intensity and for longer periods of time.
By taking steps to prepare, homeowners living in states that typically experience temperate spring and summer climates can better manage and protect their home and families during prolonged stretches of extremely hot weather. Try applying these tips:
- Keeping your home cool without air conditioning.
- Protecting yourself and family in extreme heat.
- Protecting your pets in extreme heat.
Keeping Cool Without Air Conditioning
If you live in an area where you don’t typically require AC (and therefore, don’t own a cooling system) and you are in the middle of an extreme heat event, here are some tips that can help you stay safe and cool—even without air conditioning.
- In the early morning hours, open windows to allow cool air to come inside your home. As soon as the temperature begins to rise, shut windows, blinds, and close curtains/drapes.
- Try not to use any heat generating appliances. If you must use a stove or other appliances, try to use them only at night when it is cooler. Consider using a clothesline to dry textiles.
- Only open refrigerator and freezer doors when absolutely necessary. Keeping doors and lids closed will help to retain cool air and prevent appliances from working harder in hot weather.
- Turn on the exhaust fan in your kitchen and bathroom to move warm air up and out.
- Turn on fans. If you don’t have ceiling fans, use box or standup fans to keep the air circulating. If the temperature at night becomes cooler, position box or pedestal fans in front of an open window to draw in cooler air.
What to Do During an Extreme Heat Event
Be prepared
- NEVER leave a child, disabled person or pet in a locked car. In just over 2 minutes, a car can go from a safe temperature to an unsafe temperature of 94.3°F and above, becoming a death trap for people and pets.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water – avoid sugary sodas, caffeinated drinks and alcohol.
- If air conditioning is not available in your home, go to a local cooling center.
- Take frequent cool showers or baths. Wear loose and lightweight clothing.
- Try not to use your home’s oven.
- If you must be outside for any period, wear a hat and try to find shade.
- Avoid high-energy activities or outdoor work – if possible.
- Frequently check on family members, seniors and neighbors.
- Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Remember: If at any time you feel that you or a loved one is in need of emergency medical attention for a heat-related illness, shelter in place and call 9-1-1.**
Be informed
- Extremely high oral body temperature (above 103 degrees F).
- Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat.
- Rapid, strong pulse.
- Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness.
- Heat cramps (muscle pains or spasms in stomach, arms or legs).
- Heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, pale skin, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, fast or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, vomiting).
Try to stay cool
- Keep cool packs and spray bottles in the fridge or freezer to help you cool down in the heat of the day.
- Take cool showers or baths.
- Wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing.
- Drink plenty of water.
- If possible, avoid high-energy activities or working outdoors.
- Periodically check in on your neighbors, seniors and family members.
Protecting Pets During an Extreme Heat Event
- NEVER leave a pet in a locked car on a warm day. Animals can die of heatstroke within 15 minutes! Remember that cracking a window will not prevent the inside of a vehicle from reaching dangerously high and potentially deadly temperatures.
- If you see a pet in a locked car on a hot day, contact your local authorities for help.
- If possible, try and keep pets at home on extremely hot days.
- Inside and outside pets must have plenty of cool water to drink at all times.
- Make sure that outside pets have access to adequate shade to help them stay cool.
- Avoid walking pets on asphalt and dark pavement in extremely hot weather.
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