A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity. In recent years, heat waves have caused more deaths than all other weather events, including floods. Everyone in the Hartford area is at risk from heat waves, although the elderly, children, people who are sick, people who are overweight, and people with certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, are at greatest risk.
In humans, extreme heat can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke.
- An Excessive Heat WATCH means conditions are favorable for an event to meet or exceed local excessive heat warning criteria in the next 12 to 48 hours.
- An Excessive Heat WARNING means that heat values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least two days.
- An Excessive Heat ADVISORY means hazardous heat conditions have begun or will begin within 36 hours and, if caution is not exercised, could become life threatening.
Learn to protect yourself and your family. Download our Hazard Prep Checklists and take steps to be prepared before and during a heat wave.
Before
What Can I Do Before a Heat Wave?
- Purchase a NOAA Weather Radio to ensure you receive critical warning information.
- Register for CT Alert.
- Plan how you will communicate with your family and friends if telephone or Internet systems are down.
- Make a 72-hour emergency kit.
- Plan what you will do to protect or evacuate your pets and/or farm animals.
- Discuss with members of your household the precautions they should take to stay safe in excessive heat.
- If your home does not have air conditioning, identify emergency cooling centers.
- Modify daily activities and take action to prevent overexertion or dehydration.
- Discuss with a physician any concerns about members of the household who are taking medications or have medical conditions that may cause poor blood circulation or reduced ability to tolerate heat.
- Plan to check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning or who spend much of their time alone. Elderly persons who live alone or with a working relative may need assistance on hot days.
- Plan to wear lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Take an American Red Cross first aid course to learn how to treat heat-related and other emergencies.
- Install window air conditioners snugly and ensure that your home is properly insulated.
- Keep storm windows installed throughout the year, and protect windows from the sun with shades or drapes.
- Install and use an attic fan.
Download a printable PDF version of this checklist
During
What Should I Do During a Heat Wave?
- Dress appropriately for the heat. Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
- People who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease, who are on fluid-restricted diets, or who have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine.
- Eat small meals and eat more often.
- If your home does not have air conditioning, locate and go to a cooling shelter
- Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities, including sports. Get plenty of rest. Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors, and use a buddy system.
- Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
- Avoid too much sun exposure, and watch for signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
- Stay indoors as much as possible, and avoid extreme temperature changes.
- Conserve electricity not needed to keep you cool.
- Vacuum air conditioner filters weekly during periods of high use.
- Use fans to cool areas that are not air conditioned or open to breezes.
- Check on your animals frequently and provide plenty of water for drinking and cooling.
Download a printable PDF version of this checklist
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