Periods of extreme heat can be dangerous for everyone. The City encourages residents to take precautions before, during, and after hot weather to protect themselves, their families, neighbors, and pets.
Prepare Before the Heat
- Know the difference between a Heat Outlook, Heat Watch, and Heat Warning.
- Create a family emergency communications plan.
- Keep emergency supplies available at home, at work, and in your vehicle.
- Monitor forecasts and follow updates from the National Weather Service and local officials.
Stay Cool and Hydrated
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don't feel thirsty.
- Stay indoors in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible. Fans alone may not provide enough protection during periods of high heat and humidity.
- Close curtains or blinds to block sunlight and help keep your home cooler.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
- Limit strenuous outdoor activities, especially between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., when temperatures are often at their highest.
Protect Those Most at Risk
Extreme heat can affect anyone, but older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, and those without air conditioning are especially vulnerable.
Take time to:
- Check on elderly neighbors, family members, and friends.
- Make sure children and pets stay cool and hydrated.
- Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If someone shows signs of a heat emergency, call 911 immediately.
Never Leave Children or Pets in a Vehicle
Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rise by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, creating life-threatening conditions. Never leave a child or pet unattended in a vehicle, even with the windows partially open. Always Look Before You Lock.
Find a Cooling Center
If your home does not have air conditioning, consider spending time at a public location such as a library, community center, or shopping mall. Residents can also visit 211.org to locate nearby cooling centers.
Learn More
For additional heat safety information and preparedness resources, visit:
- Ready.gov Heat Safety: https://www.ready.gov/heat
- National Weather Service Heat Safety: https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat
- CDC Heat Safety: https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html
By taking a few simple precautions, we can all help keep ourselves, our families, and our community safe during periods of extreme heat.