FYI

Helpful Tips, Smart Hacks, and Everyday Insights to Make Life Smoother and More Informed

The Current Heat Emergency

The blistering early-summer heatwave that's brought life-threatening temperatures across much of the northern hemisphere is a worrying sign of things to come, according to UN weather experts. 

High humidity will intensify the heat, especially in the Central Plains, Midwest, and Mississippi and Ohio valleys, where heat index values could reach between 105°F and 110°F.

What makes this heat wave particularly dangerous is that unusually warm overnight lows in the mid-70s to low 80s, as much as 5°F to 15°F above average for this time of year, prevent our bodies from cooling down properly during nighttime hours.

Essential Heat Safety Tips

1. Stay Hydrated - Even When You Don't Feel Thirsty

Whether you feel thirsty or not, drink plenty of water to avoid becoming dehydrated, especially when you're working or exercising outside. By the time you feel thirsty, you're already beginning to dehydrate.

Pro Tips:

• Drink water every 15-20 minutes during outdoor activities

• Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration

• Choose water over sports drinks unless you're engaged in intense physical activity

2. Don't Rely on Fans Alone

Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and a false sense of comfort, but do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illnesses. When temperatures exceed 95°F, fans can actually make things worse by circulating hot air.

Better alternatives:

• Air conditioning, when available

• Cool showers or baths

• Wet towels on the neck and wrists

• Spending time in public cooling centers

3. Know the Warning Signs of Heat Illness

Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness, which progress from heat cramps to heat exhaustion to potentially fatal heat stroke:

Heat Exhaustion Signs:

• Heavy sweating or no sweating

• Muscle cramps

• Fatigue and weakness

• Dizziness or fainting

• Nausea or vomiting

• Headache

Heat Stroke Emergency Signs:

• High body temperature (104°F+)

• Confusion or altered mental state

• Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating

• Rapid pulse

• Loss of consciousness

If someone shows signs of heat stroke, call 911 immediately.

4. Create a Home Heat Action Plan

Families can create a heat action plan. It can include making a list of cooling centers in the area. Covering windows with drapes or shades and weather-stripping doors and windows can help keep a house cool inside. Insulation can also keep heat out.

Your plan should include:

• Location of nearest cooling centers (libraries, malls, community centers)

• Emergency contact numbers

• Backup power options for medical devices

• Extra water storage

• Check-in system for elderly neighbors or relatives

5. Never Leave Anyone in a Vehicle

It is NEVER safe to leave a child, disabled person, or pet locked in a car, even in the winter. During extreme heat, car interiors can reach lethal temperatures within minutes.

Who's Most at Risk?

If you are pregnant, a child or teen with asthma, or have a heart condition or other chronic health conditions, heat can make your situation more dangerous. Special precautions should be taken for:

• Adults over 65

• Children under 5

• People with chronic medical conditions

• Outdoor workers

• Athletes and active individuals

• People taking certain medications

• Those without access to air conditioning

Mental Health During Heat Waves

Eat healthy food and get enough sleep to help you deal with stress. You can contact the Disaster Distress Helpline for free if you need to talk to someone. Call or text 1-800-985-5990. Extreme heat can increase stress, anxiety, and irritability, making mental health support important during these events.

Looking Ahead: Climate Reality Check

"Even though it's midsummer, this is pretty notable," says Bryan Jackson, a meteorologist at the NWS Weather Prediction Center. This isn't just another hot summer - it's part of a larger pattern of increasingly dangerous heat events that require us to adapt our habits and emergency preparedness.

Your Heat Safety Checklist

Before the heat peaks:

• ✅ Identify cooling centers in your area

• ✅ Stock up on water (1 gallon per person per day)

• ✅ Check on elderly neighbors and relatives

• ✅ Ensure air conditioning is working

• ✅ Plan indoor activities for peak heat hours (10 AM - 6 PM)

During extreme heat:

• ✅ Stay indoors during peak hours

• ✅ Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing

• ✅ Take frequent breaks if working outside

• ✅ Monitor weather alerts and heat index values

• ✅ Check on vulnerable community members

Emergency contacts to save:

• Local emergency services: 911

• Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990

• Your local health department's non-emergency line

• Nearest hospital emergency room

The Bottom Line

Heat waves are becoming more frequent and more dangerous. What saved lives in previous decades may not be sufficient for the extreme conditions we're experiencing now. Stay informed, stay cool, and don't hesitate to seek help if you or someone you know shows signs of heat-related illness.

Remember: This isn't about toughing it out or proving anything. It's about staying alive and healthy during dangerous weather conditions that are becoming the new normal.

Stay safe, stay cool, and keep checking Azorean Media's FYI section for more essential information that matters to your daily life.

Have additional heat safety tips or local cooling center information to share? Help your community stay safe by sharing this information and adding your local resources in the comments.

Sources: CDC, National Weather Service, American Red Cross, Ready.gov

Posted by Carlos Ferreira Follow me on X or BLUESKY