Now that we are smack in the middle of those Dog Days of Summer – Be Prepared for Extreme Heat!
Download This Important Heat Safety Checklist to Protect Yourself & Loved Ones.
There is hot, and then there is hot! Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days. In extreme heat, your body works extra hard to maintain a normal temperature, which can lead to death. Extreme heat is responsible for the highest annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.
Download this Heat Safety checklist:
Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.
Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses.
Identify places in your community where you can get cool such as libraries and shopping malls or contact your local health department to find a cooling center in your area.
Cover windows with drapes or shades.
Weather-strip doors and windows.
Use window reflectors specifically designed to reflect heat outside.
Add insulation to keep the heat out.
Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing out hot air.
Install window air conditioners and insulate them around them.
If you are unable to afford your cooling costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.