With temperatures rising, the Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH)^® provides the following tips for before and during extreme heat, and how to identify heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

Extreme heat is a fatal weather risk in the United States, and everyone is at risk, especially the elderly, very young, and those who work outdoors.

Before the Heat Wave:

1. Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
2. Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
3. Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
4. Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
5. Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.
6. Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes, keep your NOAA weather radio or FLASH Weather Alerts App handy.

When Temperatures Soar:

1. The coolest part of the day is normally sunrise, so plan any necessary strenuous activity for the morning.
2. Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine.
3. Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty as water is most hydrating liquid to drink during a heat wave.
4. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can intensify the negative effect on your body.
5. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect some of the sun’s energy.
6. Never leave children, elderly, or pets in the car even with the windows down. Although the outside air temperatures may seem comfortable, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise 40 to 50 degrees and swiftly create deadly, oven-like conditions.

Signs of Heat Exhaustion:

1. Cool, flushed, moist, or pale skin
2. Heavy sweating and high body temperature
3. Headache
4. Nausea
5. Vomiting
6. Dizziness

Signs of Heat Stroke:

1. Hot, red skin
2. Changes in consciousness
3. A rapid, weak pulse
4. Rapid, shallow breathing
5. A very high body temperature – even as high as 105 degrees F.
6. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry

For more information on heat safety, visit www.flash.org or view extreme heat safety information from FEMA at ready.gov.

About FLASH

Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH), a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, is the country’s leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural and man-made disasters. FLASH collaborates with more than 120 innovative and diverse partners that share its vision of making America a more disaster‐resilient nation including: BASF, Federal Emergency Management Agency, Florida Division of Emergency Management, The Home Depot®, International Code Council, Kohler® Generators, National Weather Service, Portland Cement Association, Simpson Strong-Tie®, State Farm™, and USAA®. In 2008, FLASH® and Disney opened the interactive weather experience StormStruck: A Tale of Two Homes® in Lake Buena Vista, FL. Learn more about FLASH and gain access to its free consumer resources by visiting www.flash.org or calling (877) 221- SAFE (7233). Also, get timely safety tips to ensure that you and your family are protected from natural and manmade disasters by subscribing to the FLASH blog – Protect Your Home in a FLASH, and following the FLASH Twitter and Facebook accounts.