GuidesEnvironmental and housing risk5 min read

Prepare your household for a heat wave

Heat is the deadliest weather hazard in many places, and it hits hardest in homes without air conditioning, on upper floors, and for older adults and young children.

Cool one room before the heat arrives

You do not need to cool the whole house. You need one room that stays survivable.

Choose the lowest floor, interior room, with the fewest windows
Install blackout curtains or tape up reflective emergency blankets
Use a fan only when outdoor air is cooler than indoor air; fans can worsen heat illness in very hot, dry conditions
Check that air conditioners and fans work before the season starts

Hydration and food

Thirst is a lagging signal. In heat, drink before you feel thirsty and eat lighter meals.

Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for three days
Avoid alcohol and limit caffeine on very hot days
Keep shelf-stable foods that need no cooking, since cooking heats the house
Watch for signs of heat illness: heavy sweating, cramps, nausea, dizziness, and confusion

Protect the most vulnerable

Heat risk is not equal. Some household members need active checking.

Older adults, infants, pregnant people, and anyone with heart or lung disease
People on medications that affect sweating or blood pressure
Pets: limit walks to early morning, provide shade and water, and never leave animals in a parked car
Arrange a daily check-in with isolated relatives or neighbors

Plan for power loss and evacuation

Heat waves strain the grid. Know where to go before the power goes out.

Find the nearest cooling center and how to get there
Charge power banks and medical devices before the peak heat
Identify a friend or relative with working air conditioning as a backup destination
Leave early if the indoor temperature stays above safe levels and you have no way to cool it

Common questions

What temperature is dangerous indoors?

Indoor temperatures above 80F can be risky for sensitive people, and sustained temperatures above 90F are dangerous for anyone without a way to cool down.

Can a fan keep you cool in extreme heat?

Fans help when the air is cooler than your body temperature. In very hot, dry conditions, a fan can increase heat stress by blowing hot air over the skin.

How much water should I drink during a heat wave?

Drink regularly throughout the day, roughly eight ounces every 15 to 20 minutes during activity. Urine color is a simple check: pale yellow means you are hydrated.

See where your household stands

The Household Resilience Check scores this dimension along with seven others in about five minutes.

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