Heat Safety: Before

What is the heat index?

What meteorologists call the heat index is a number in degrees Fahrenheit that indicates how hot it actually feels outside, when relative humidity is added to the air temperature. When the air temperature outside is 90 degrees, it may actually feel more like 95 degrees or even hotter, depending on how humid conditions are in your area.

What should you do?

If a period of extreme heat is forecast for your area, take the following precautions:

• If you have air conditioning already installed, make sure it works properly before the summer months.
• Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate them if necessary. Check your home's air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation
• Install temporary window reflectors, such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, between windows and drapes to reflect heat back outside.
• Install weather stripping on your home's doors and windowsills to keep cool air in and hot air out.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers, which can reduce the heat entering a home by up to 80 percent.
• Keep storm windows in place year-round.
• If you don't have air conditioning, open your windows during the coolest part of the day and keep fresh air moving around your home with circulating fans.
• Drink plenty of cool non-alcoholic liquids, especially water.
• Protect your face and head with a wide-brimmed hat, and wear light-colored clothing to reflect sunlight (dark clothing more readily absorbs sunlight).
• Keep pets indoors and refill their water bowls frequently.