Hey neighbors! Jeeez it’s hot! With summer in full swing, it’s important to stay safe and be mindful of our heat exposure. Heat illness can sneak up on all of us, even if we’re used to warm weather. Here are some tips and resources to help you stay cool and safe:
1. Check Your Local Heat Risk: Did you know you can check the heat risk for your specific area? Just type your zip code into the HeatRisk dashboard (Link below) to see how dangerous today’s heat is for your health. It’s a great tool to understand the daily heat risks and take appropriate precautions.
2. Create a Heat Action Plan: Our partners in Health and Human Services (HHS) put together a fantastic resource on creating a Heat Action Plan. It’s especially important for those who are more vulnerable to heat, such as older adults, young children, and those with pre-existing conditions. The plan includes tips on staying hydrated, finding cool places, and recognizing the signs of heat-related illnesses. You can find more information with the link at the end of this post.
3. Stay Informed and Connected: I’ve said it before, but really – make sure you’re receiving local alerts and updates. Follow your local weather service forecast and sign up for emergency notifications if you haven’t already. It doesn’t have to be ours (though the FEMA App DOES give you alerts for up to 5 locations 🙂 but knowing when the heat is going to be strongest can give you the crucial combination of Time + Information that we hope equals to preparation for you and yours.
4. Heat Affects Pets Differently Be sure to monitor your pets time outside and don’t let their paws linger on hot concrete or asphalt. Make sure to give them extra fresh water. Remember: Dogs and cats sometimes don’t show obvious signs of heat illness at first. Remember (as we all know) staying cool and hydrated is key. And, of course, never underestimate the power of a good fan, some sweet shade, and a big glass of lemonade. 🍋
Check on your neighbors, especially those who might need extra help during extreme heat. Stay cool and take care! Feel free to share this info with friends and family.
More Info and Links to Resources: https://fema.gov/press-release/20240626/are-you-summerready