UpOnly Learning Presents: Family Emergency Guide — Natural Disasters, Power and Internet Outages

Family Emergency Guide

Extreme Heat

Last checked: October 26, 2026

Official guidanceThis guide summarizes official guidance. It does not replace instructions from local officials. In the United States, call 911 in an emergency. If your 911 call does not go through.

Related pages: Emergency Kit Checklist · Family Emergency Plan

What it is

  • Ready.gov says, "Extreme heat is a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days."[1]
  • Ready.gov says, "Extreme heat is responsible for the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards."[1]
  • Ready.gov says older adults, children, and people with certain illnesses or chronic conditions are at greater risk.[1]
  • CDC says, "Infants and young children rely on others to keep them cool and hydrated."[2]

Before

  • Ready.gov says to learn the signs of heat illness.[1]
  • Ready.gov says, "Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device."[1]
  • Ready.gov says to "contact your local health department to find a cooling center in your area."[1]
  • Ready.gov says to block heat with drapes, shades, weather-stripping, and insulation.[1]
  • The American Red Cross says to plan backup power for medical equipment.[3]
  • CDC says that if your child has asthma, make a heat action plan with their doctor.[2]

During

  • Ready.gov says, "Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day."[1]
  • CDC says, "Leaving a window open is not enough," and that even on a mild day a parked car can heat up quickly.[2]
  • CDC suggests keeping a stuffed animal in the car seat and moving it to the front when your child is buckled in, as a reminder, and checking that everyone is out of the car before you leave it.[2]
  • CDC says to make sure children drink plenty of fluids, and to avoid very cold drinks and drinks high in sugar.[2]
  • CDC says to dress children in loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.[2]
  • Ready.gov says to go to a cooling center if your home has no air conditioning, and to take cool showers or baths.[1]
  • Ready.gov says to seek shade outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and avoid hard outdoor work during midday heat.[1]
  • Ready.gov says to give pets water and shade and to watch for hot pavement.[1]
  • Ready.gov says to check on family members, older adults, and neighbors.[1]

Know the warning signs (Ready.gov)

  • Heat stroke: Ready.gov says, "If you suspect heat stroke, call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately." Signs include "Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees F) taken orally," red, hot, dry skin with no sweat, dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness.[1]
  • Heat exhaustion: Signs include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, a fast or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea, or vomiting.[1]
  • Heat cramps: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs.[1]
  • For heat stroke, the Red Cross says, "Call 911 right away," then "Move to a cool place," cool the body, and "Do NOT give the person anything to drink."[3]
  • CDC says to get medical care right away if your child has symptoms of heat-related illness.[2]

After

  • The Red Cross says, "It's normal to have a lot of bad feelings, stress or anxiety" after a disaster, and lists the Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990.[3]

Watch vs. Warning (NWS)

  • Extreme Heat Watch: "Be Prepared!" "An Extreme Heat Watch is issued when conditions are favorable for an extreme heat event."[4]
  • Extreme Heat Warning: "Take Action!" "An Extreme Heat Warning is issued when extremely dangerous heat conditions are expected or occurring."[4]
  • Heat Advisory: "A Heat Advisory is issued for dangerous heat conditions that are not expected to reach warning criteria."[4]
  • CDC says to check your area's heat risk and air quality on the CDC HeatRisk Dashboard.[2]

Sources

Last checked: October 26, 2026. Each numbered source below was opened and checked on the date shown. Numbers in brackets in the text, like [1], point to this list.

  1. [1] Ready.gov (FEMA), Extreme Heat
    Published by
    Ready.gov (FEMA)
    Level
    U.S. federal government
    Found at
    www.ready.gov/heat
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026
  2. [2] CDC, Infants and Children and Heat
    Published by
    Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
    Level
    U.S. federal government
    Found at
    www.cdc.gov/heat-health/risk-factors/infants-and-children.html
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026
  3. [3] American Red Cross, Extreme Heat Safety
    Published by
    American Red Cross
    Level
    Not a government agency (non-governmental organization)
    Found at
    www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/extreme-heat-safety.html
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026
  4. [4] National Weather Service, Heat Watches, Warnings and Advisories
    Published by
    National Weather Service (NWS)
    Level
    U.S. federal government
    Found at
    www.weather.gov/safety/heat-ww
    Checked
    Oct 26, 2026

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