Cool extreme heat stress

Learn the dos and don’ts of extreme heat

Extreme heat events are when the weather is much hotter (or more humid) than average for a particular time and place. As average temperatures rise in the United States and around the world, extreme heat events are also on the rise. Fifteen of the 16 warmest years in recorded history have occurred since 2000. And in the spring of 2022, the LA area broke heat records across the county.

Extreme heat emergencies cause more deaths than any other single weather-related disaster. It’s critical to understand some basic dos and don’ts during this increasingly common emergency.

THE DOs:

  • Take cool showers to help cool off.

  • Minimize direct exposure to the sun.

  • Wear light colored, loose-fitting clothes.

  • Eat easy to digest foods like salads and fruits.

  • Use electric fans to stay cool when the temperature is below 95°, because fans help sweat evaporate from your body.

  • Understand and recognize the symptoms of heat-related illnesses.

THE DON’Ts:

  • Exercise between 10am and 5pm.

  • Eat heavy foods or wear heavy clothing.

  • Use the stove or oven to cook.

  • Leave children or pets alone in cars.

Dive deeper on the app.

Download our free app for an EPA guide on cooling extreme heat stress (plus hundreds of other climate actions)!