Be sure you have a plan to stay cool, safe, and healthy. During heat events, cooling centers open up throughout the tri-county area.

Included below, you’ll find important tips from FEMA about preparing for and surviving during an extreme heat event. Download the FEMA app for tips and alerts sent right to your phone. Check them out below and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

Cooling Centers Across the Region

PREPARE NOW

Find places in your community where you can go to get cool.

Try to keep your home cool:

  • Cover windows with drapes or shades. Weather-strip doors and windows.
  • Use window reflectors such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard to reflect heat back 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 hot air.
  • Install window are conditioners and insulate around them.

BE SAFE DURING

Never leave a child, adult, or animal alone inside a vehicle on a warm day.

Find places with air conditioning. Libraries, shopping malls, and community centers can provide a cool place to take a break from the heat.

If you’re outside, find shade. Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face.

Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. If you or someone you take care of is on a special diet, ask a doctor what would be best.

Do not use electric fans when the temperature outside is more than 95 degrees. You could increase the rise of heat-related illness. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature.

Avoid high-energy activities.

Check yourself, family members, and neighbors for signs of heat-related illness.

RECOGNIZE AND RESPOND

Know the signs and ways to treat heat-related illness.

Heat Cramps
Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs.
Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.

Heat Exhaustion
Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, and fainting.
Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Heat Stroke
Signs: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) indicated by an oral thermometer; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; and unconsciousness.
Actions: Call 9-1-1 or get the person to the hospital immediately.  Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.

This information is provided by FEMA.Take an active role in your safety. Go to Ready.gov and search for Extreme Heat.

We recommend downloading the FEMA app to get more information about preparing for Extreme Heat.

When You’re Under an Extreme Heat Warning:

    • Find air conditioning if possible
    • Avoid strenuous activities
    • Watch for heat illness
    • Wear light clothing
    • Check on family members and neighbors
    • Drink plenty of fluids
    • Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke
    • Never leave people or pets in a closed car