Can You Handle the Heat?

Summer brings vacations, backyard barbecues, and long sunny days, but it also brings extreme heat. As temperatures continue to climb, understanding how to protect yourself, your loved ones, and even your property is more important than ever.

What Is a Heatwave?

A heatwave is a prolonged period of unusually high temperatures, often accompanied by high humidity. When temperatures remain elevated for several consecutive days and overnight temperatures fail to cool down, the body’s ability to recover from the heat becomes significantly more difficult.

Extreme heat can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and can worsen existing health conditions such as heart disease, respiratory illnesses, and diabetes.

Who Is Most at Risk?

Although anyone can be affected by extreme heat, certain groups face a much higher risk, including:

• Adults over age 65
• Infants and young children
• People with heart disease, diabetes, or respiratory conditions
• Outdoor workers
• Athletes
• Pregnant women
• Individuals without access to air conditioning
• Pets

Checking on neighbors, friends, and family members during periods of excessive heat can make a significant difference.

Signs of Heat-Related Illness

Recognizing the warning signs early can prevent a medical emergency.

Heat Exhaustion Symptoms

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea
• Cool, pale, clammy skin
• Muscle cramps

If someone is experiencing heat exhaustion, move them to a cooler location, encourage them to drink water, loosen tight clothing, and apply cool compresses.

Heat Stroke Symptoms

Heat stroke is a medical emergency.

Symptoms include:

• Body temperature above 103°F
• Hot, red skin
• Confusion
• Slurred speech
• Rapid pulse
• Loss of consciousness
• Seizures

Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke.

Tips to Stay Safe During a Heatwave

Stay Hydrated

Drink water consistently throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid excessive alcohol, sugary beverages, and large amounts of caffeine, as they may contribute to dehydration.

Dress for the Weather

Choose lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing that allows your body to cool naturally.

Limit Outdoor Activities

Whenever possible, schedule outdoor work or exercise during the early morning or evening hours when temperatures are lower.

Find Air Conditioning

Air conditioning remains one of the best protections against heat-related illness. If your home is not air-conditioned, consider spending time at:

• Libraries
• Shopping centers
• Community cooling centers
• Senior centers

Even a few hours in an air-conditioned environment can help your body recover.

Never Leave Children or Pets in Vehicles

Temperatures inside a parked vehicle can become deadly within minutes—even if the windows are cracked.

Don’t Forget Your Pets

Our pets rely on us to keep them safe.

Remember to:

• Provide plenty of fresh water.
• Walk dogs early in the morning or after sunset.
• Test pavement temperatures with your hand before walking.
• Never leave pets in a parked vehicle.
• Watch for signs of overheating such as excessive panting, drooling, or weakness.

Protect Your Home During Extreme Heat

Heatwaves don’t just affect people—they can also impact your home.

Extreme temperatures may contribute to:

• Overworked air conditioning systems
• Higher electricity bills
• Power outages
• Roof deterioration
• Expansion and cracking of certain building materials
• Increased wildfire risk in some regions

Homeowners should replace HVAC filters regularly, inspect cooling systems before peak summer temperatures, and have an emergency plan in case of prolonged power outages.

Outdoor Workers Need Extra Precautions

Construction workers, landscapers, delivery drivers, and many other professionals spend long hours outdoors.

Employers and workers should:

• Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.
• Drink water every 15–20 minutes.
• Wear sun protection.
• Recognize symptoms of heat illness.
• Use the buddy system whenever possible.

Preparing an Emergency Heat Kit

A basic heat emergency kit can include:

• Bottled water
• Electrolyte drinks
• Battery-powered fan
• Flashlights
• Extra batteries
• Portable phone charger
• Cooling towels
• First-aid supplies
• Prescription medications
• Pet supplies

Being prepared can help your family stay safe if power outages occur.

Insurance Considerations During Heatwaves

Extreme heat can contribute to weather-related claims, including damage caused by electrical surges during power outages, HVAC failures, and in some areas, wildfire losses.

Reviewing your homeowners, renters, auto, or business insurance policies each year helps ensure your coverage matches your current needs. Understanding deductibles, policy limits, and optional endorsements before an emergency occurs can save time and stress later.

Final Thoughts

Preparation goes a long way. Staying hydrated, limiting outdoor exposure during peak temperatures, checking on vulnerable neighbors, and planning ahead can reduce the risk of heat-related illness for everyone.

Summer should be a season of enjoyment—not preventable emergencies. By taking a few simple precautions, you can help keep yourself, your family, your pets, and your community safe throughout the hottest days of the year.

Stay cool, stay informed, and stay safe this summer.