Extreme Heat Alert: How to Protect Yourself During a Heat Warning
High UV and scalding hot days are just around the corner. When summer hits, warmer temperatures are felt far and wide. So, now is the best time to prepare for a heat alert in your hometown.
Whether you consider yourself in a high-risk, more vulnerable population or not, these warnings are not to be taken lightly and can impact your health and wellness if conditions are severe enough.
Heat warnings are unavoidable in some parts of the country, but we’re here to help ensure you are equipped with everything you need. With the proper preparation, you can rest easy knowing you’ll stay safe and cool even when temperatures peak.
What Are the Health Risks of Extreme Heat?
One of the primary concerns surrounding extremely hot conditions is heat stroke. This potentially life-threatening condition is a real threat and can affect people of all ages.
Heat stroke makes itself known by a number of symptoms. Generally, someone impacted by this condition will have a rapid pulse, have hot, dry skin, and may exhibit signs of confusion. If someone shows these symptoms during a heat warning, it’s crucial to call medical help immediately.
Another relatively common condition during high temperatures is heat exhaustion. While not as serious as heat stroke, exhaustion is still dangerous. Symptoms typically include heavy sweating, nausea, dizziness, and fainting.
Older populations and those with pre-existing health conditions are more likely to be impacted by these health risks. If you or someone you love is considered part of the higher-risk population, consider investing in EcoFlow’s WAVE 3 Portable Air Conditioner. This portable AC unit is easy to take on the go and will help keep your space cool when the temperature rises.
How to Prepare Before an Extreme Heat Event
If you know hotter temperatures are on the way, there are plenty of things you can do ahead of time to ensure you’re ready.
Prepare Your Living Space
When an extreme heat event is imminent, you should take some time to get your living space set up. Hot conditions in an indoor setting can be incredibly uncomfortable, so take the time that you have to prepare to do some last-minute checks throughout your home.
You should check your AC unit to ensure it works properly and replace the filter if necessary. You can also set up fans throughout your home to help with airflow indoors.
If your home has many windows, hang blankets or blackout curtains to keep some of the external heat out.
Stock Up on Essentials
Appropriate food and hydration are absolute necessities during extreme heat events. Proper nutrition, in general, can help prevent some of the scarier heat-related illnesses mentioned above.
Stock up on plenty of electrolytes and consider filling the EcoFlow GLACIER Classic Portable Fridge Freezer with all your perishable items in case the power goes out.
Be Prepared for Power Outages
When extreme weather events occur, the strain on the power grid tends to reach a peak. In many cases, this can cause the power to shut off completely, sometimes for extended periods.
To ensure you have a way to stay powered up and cooled off, invest in a portable power station like the EcoFlow RIVER 3 Plus. This powerful unit can supply energy to an external AC unit or portable fans throughout your home to keep conditions comfortable.
What to Do During an Extreme Heat Warning
If an extreme heat warning is in effect, here are some things you can do to stay safe.
Try to Stay Indoors
While it’s unrealistic to assume everyone can stay indoors during a temperature warning, you should do everything possible to avoid the worst conditions. If your AC unit is still working, keep it running periodically throughout the day so as not to overwork it, but use it enough to keep your space cool. Stay away from windows and block out as much natural light as possible to keep the heat at bay.
Pay Attention for Signs of Heat Illness
If you or someone you’re with is experiencing symptoms of heat illness, you need to act fast. Have your phone charged and ready to contact emergency services if the situation calls for it.
What to Do After an Extreme Heat Event
When the extreme conditions have subsided, you’re safe to return to everyday life. However, be aware that these hot temperatures tend to stick around for a few days until another weather front cools things off. Spend as much time indoors as possible until outdoor conditions are safe again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Most at Risk From Extreme Heat?
Young and elderly populations are at high risk of extreme heat-related health concerns. Keeping these individuals indoors and in a cooler setting during extreme heat warnings is incredibly important and can help to keep them safe.
Should You Stay Inside During a Heat Warning?
You should try to stay indoors during a heat warning. Spending elongated periods of time outside during these extreme conditions can lead to health concerns and should be avoided at all costs.
What Is a Dangerously High Heat?
Extreme heat conditions occur when the temperature surpasses 90°F to 100°F for an extended period. This heat can cause body temperature to rise to a dangerous level, which is why warnings are often issued to keep people aware and indoors as much as possible.
Final Thoughts
There’s still plenty of time to prepare yourself and your home for any heat warnings during the summer season. This guide is a great starting point to help ensure you have everything you need when the temperatures reach their peak.
Stock up on all the backup power essentials for your home. The EcoFlow RAPID Power Bank is a great tool for charging mobile devices and keeping you connected even if the grid goes dark.