Handling Heat Waves
- luanniewang
- Jun 22, 2025
- 3 min read
Currently, much of the US is experiencing extreme heat (~90 degrees Fahrenheit or above); some areas are even reaching temperatures in the dangerous three-digits range. The central region is currently in the epicenter of the heat wave, with the high temperatures moving to the east over the course of the next week. It’s predicted that up to 170 million people in the US are to be affected by the heat, so it’s crucial that we are all aware of how to stay safe during heat waves.
Before:
Check your hydration habits. You should be drinking ~3/4 of a gallon of water daily. If your urine is a dark yellow color, that is an indication of dehydration, and if it is very pale to clear, you are overhydrating. Keep in mind that intake of sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks should be limited as they can have negative effects and do not hydrate as effectively as water. Staying aware of these things helps you make sure you know how to properly hydrate in the case of a heat wave.
Prepare an emergency kit. During very extreme heat, you may need to temporarily leave the region you are in. Make sure you are ready with medicine, first-aid supplies, sunscreen, hats, sets of thin and light-colored clothes, and of course, lots of food and water.
Check your AC. Air conditioning in your home is crucial to staying cool and maintains a comfortable place to shelter from the heat. Make sure your system is working, as it will make enduring the heat wave much easier!
If you don’t have AC/in the case of a power outage, make sure you know places you can go to stay safe. Examples include libraries, malls, the houses of family/friends, and other indoor places with cooling systems.
During:
Stay indoors. Self-explanatory!
Stay cool. Turn on air conditioning and fans, wear light-colored, loose, thin clothing, use a spray bottle/damp sponge to keep your skin wet, and take cold showers.
Hydrate! If you are sweating a lot, it’s important to regain what you are losing. Snacks and sports drinks along with water can help to replace salt and minerals lost in sweat.
Close windows, curtains, and blinds to keep out the sun.
Don’t stay in closed cars. Heat tends to build up and get really intense in vehicles, so keep people, pets, and important items out of cars for the extent of the heat wave.
Refrain from using ovens. Oven use can increase the temperature in your home, so save the brownie recipe for later!
Avoid high-energy activities like sports. They make you even hotter and sweatier than you already are!
Monitor the weather so that you know when temperatures are safe again.
Sleep light. Breathable materials like cotton can help keep you cool overnight.
After:
Check in with family, friends, and neighbors if you were unable to during the wave (of course, if you can keep in touch during, absolutely do).
Be aware and treat any heat-related illnesses you or those around you may have. Move those affected into cooler areas, remove outer clothing, provide ice packs/wet cloths, and don’t hesitate to seek medical attention or call 911 (especially in the case of heat stroke, which can be life-threatening). BE CAREFUL WITH PROVIDING DRINKS; they can help those suffering from heat exhaustion and cramps, but those experiencing heat stroke may not be well enough to swallow properly, worsening the situation.
Signs of heat stroke: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees); red, hot, and dry skin; rapid, abnormal pulse; and dizziness/confusion/disorientation or even unconsciousness.
Signs of heat exhaustion: Heavy sweating, fast/weak pulse, nausea, vomiting, fainting, headache, muscle cramps, and tiredness/weakness.
Signs of heat cramps: Heavy sweating along with muscle pains/spasms in areas like the stomach, arms, and legs.
Extreme heat kills more individuals than any other weather event. Even if you aren’t currently affected, it’s important to stay prepared and be there for your community and loved ones. I hope you all are staying safe during this heat wave and keeping your cool — literally and figuratively!
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