FEMA PROMOTES EXTREME HEAT SAFETY AND PREPAREDNESS AHEAD OF DANGEROUS
LONG DURATION HEAT WAVE
[https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20240617/fema-promotes-extreme-heat-safety-and-preparedness-ahead-dangerous-long]


Release Date: 
juin 17, 2024 

WASHINGTON -- This week, the National Weather Service reported that
more than 72,650,000 people are under heat advisories and excessive
heat watches and warnings across much of the Midwest, Great Lakes,
Northeast and Mid-Atlantic. With the extreme heat forecast expected to
last throughout this week and possibly the next, FEMA is encouraging
communities to prepare and protect themselves against this hazard. 

Extreme heat is the leading weather-related cause of death in the U.S.
However, heat related illnesses and deaths are largely preventable
with proper planning, education and action. In April, FEMA launched
its annual #SummerReady Campaign with an Extreme Heat Summit
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FcECOGoWXNs] to help people and
communities build local capacity to prepare for and take actionable
steps to address extreme heat. The Summer Ready Campaign
[https://www.ready.gov/summer-ready] provides free and low-cost tips
to protect against this serious hazard. As we continue to experience
the impacts of this extreme hazards, FEMA urges individuals in
affected areas to pay close attention to weather forecasts, heed the
advice from local officials and follow these tips to stay safe during
extreme heat.

	* UNDERSTAND YOUR RISK AND HAZARD. Summer heat
[https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/about/index.html] can be especially
dangerous for older adults, those who work outside, people with
certain health conditions, and those without access to
air-conditioning. It’s important to recognize the signs of heat
exhaustion, heat cramps, heat stroke and ways to respond
[https://www.cdc.gov/extreme-heat/signs-symptoms/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/warning.html]. While
all heat-related illnesses can require medical attention, heat stroke
is always a medical emergency. If you experience – or notice someone
else experiencing the symptoms of heat stroke, call 9-1-1 and get the
person to a cooler place right away.
	* KEEP EVERYONE SAFE. Never leave children or pets alone in hot
vehicles. Heat can rise in a car up to 20 degrees in just 10 minutes.
It is important to check on family, friends and neighbors who do not
have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.
	* STAY COOL. Fans alone aren’t enough in high heat and high
humidity. FEMA encourages people and especially those that are
vulnerable to go somewhere with air conditioning or visit a public
place like the library, museum, or shopping mall to stay cool. Other
ways to keep cool include wearing lightweight, loose-fitting clothing,
taking a cool shower or bath to cool off and if you are at home, keep
curtains closed to keep the heat out.
	* STAY HYDRATED. Drink plenty of water even if you do not feel
thirsty and avoid drinks with caffeine. If you have epilepsy or heart,
kidney, or liver disease, are on fluid-restricted diets, or have a
problem with fluid retention consult a doctor before increasing liquid
intake.
	* CHECK THE AIR QUALITY. Hot weather can make air quality worse. Poor
air quality can be especially dangerous for people with heart or lung
disease, older adults and children. You can enter your zip code on
the AirNow.gov [https://www.airnow.gov/] page to get air quality data
where you live. 

OTHER IMPORTANT TIPS:

	* Extreme heat and heat waves can also affect power systems, as
utility companies may shut down portion of the electric grid. If the
power goes out [https://www.ready.gov/power-outages], use only
flashlights or battery-powered lanterns for emergency lighting. Never
use candles during a blackout or power outage due to extreme risk of
fire.
	* Use generators safely and always use them outdoors and at least 20
feet from windows, doors and attached garages. Make sure to keep the
generator dry and protected from rain or flooding.
	* Visit Ready.gov [https://ready.gov/summer-ready] or Listo.gov
[https://www.ready.gov/es/summer-ready] for more information on how
to stay safe before, during and after extreme heat.

FEMA's mission is helping people before, during and after disasters.