High Heat Safety

son handing elderly father a cold glass of water with the fan blowing

Stay Safe When Temperatures Rise

Learn how to protect yourself and others from extreme heat with simple, effective safety tips.

Checklist to Stay Safe in High Heat

Hydrate early and often

Make sure to drink lots of water on days leading up hot weather. Always have fresh water by you while working and playing and avoid drinks with high sugar or caffeine. Being hydrated helps prevent heat-related illness as well as strains and sprains.

Wear the right clothing

Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, breathable clothing that covers exposed skin.

Wear sunblock

Apply a high SPF (30 or higher) sunblock at least an hour before going out in the sun. Make sure to reapply throughout the day. Pay extra attention to your ears and face.

Never Leave Kids or Pets in a Vehicle

When it’s hot, it’s never safe to leave children or pets in a vehicle while it’s parked — even with a window open. Vehicles can reach dangerously hot temperature very quickly. To be cautious, always to check to make sure no one is in the car when you leave it.

When You’re Outside, Stay in Shady Areas

If you have to be outside, try to find areas of shade to keep yourself cool from the sun. As a general rule of thumb, it’s better to be outside in the morning and evening times when it’s coolest.

If you lose AC, go to a cool place.

If your home is uncomfortably hot due to no air conditioning, there are public places you can stay cool such as local libraries, shopping malls and community centers. There may even be public cooling centers by you. To find them visit mi211.org and search “cooling centers” with your zip code.

3 Heat Illnesses to Watch For

Heat Cramps

Heat cramp symptoms include very painful muscle spasms that occur in the:

Calves
Arms
Stomach
Back

If you suspect you may have heat cramps make sure to rest, drink water or an electrolyte sports drink and avoid strenuous activity for several hours.

Heat Exhaustion

Watch out for the following symptoms of heat exhaustion:

Pale skin and excessive sweating
Throbbing headache
Nausea
Dizziness
Blurred vision

If you suspect you may have heat exhaustion, make sure to cool down and rest, drink water or an electrolyte sports drink and put cool, wet cloths on your body. If your symptoms last longer than an hour or get worse, seek medical attention.

Heat Stroke

Watch out for the following symptoms of heat stroke:

Dry or red skin with no sweat
Lack of sweating
Rapid pulse
Unconscious or incoherent

If you suspect you may have heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital immediately. Do not drink anything.

Little girl eating a watermelon in front of a fan

Beat the heat with energy saving tips

With hot weather spikes come bill increases. See how you can take action to stay comfortable and lower your energy use.

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