Extreme Heat: Check on Your Neighbors—It Could Save a Life

Every summer seems to bring another record-breaking heat wave, and this year is no exception. Extreme heat is one of the deadliest weather hazards in the United States, often causing more weather-related deaths than floods, hurricanes, or tornadoes. The danger is real, but many heat-related illnesses and deaths are preventable with preparation and by looking out for one another.

Heat Can Become Dangerous Quickly

High temperatures place additional stress on the body. When combined with high humidity, poor air quality, or prolonged exposure to the sun, the risk of heat exhaustion and heat stroke increases significantly.

People at greater risk include:

• Older adults
• Infants and young children
• Individuals with chronic medical conditions
• People who work or exercise outdoors
• Individuals without air conditioning
• Anyone who becomes dehydrated

Remember, heat illness can affect anyone—even healthy adults.

The Simple Act That Can Save a Life

One of the most important things you can do during extreme heat is check on your neighbors.

While older adults are often at the highest risk, heat emergencies can affect people of any age. A neighbor recovering from surgery, a single parent with young children, someone living alone, or a person with a disability may also need assistance.

Take a few minutes to:

• Knock on a neighbor's door or give them a phone call.
• Ask if they have air conditioning or another cool place to stay.
• Make sure they have enough drinking water.
• Encourage them to limit outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
• Offer to help with errands if it means they can stay out of the heat.

Sometimes a simple conversation is enough to identify someone who needs help.

Protect Yourself During Extreme Heat

Follow these simple safety tips:

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day—even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, which can contribute to dehydration.
• Stay indoors or in air-conditioned buildings whenever possible.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Limit strenuous outdoor activities between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
• Take frequent breaks if you must work outside.
• Never leave children, older adults, or pets in a parked vehicle—not even for a few minutes.
• Use sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors.

Know the Warning Signs

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms may include:

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness or fatigue
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Muscle cramps
• Cool, pale, or clammy skin

Move the person to a cooler location, provide cool water if they are alert, loosen clothing, and seek medical care if symptoms worsen or do not improve.

Heat Stroke—A Medical Emergency

Heat stroke can become life-threatening within minutes.

Watch for:

• Body temperature above 103°F (39.4°C)
• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
• Confusion or unusual behavior
• Slurred speech
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness

Call 911 immediately. While waiting for emergency responders, move the person to a cooler area and begin cooling them with cold water, wet towels, or ice packs placed on the neck, armpits, and groin if available.

Keep Pets Safe Too

Our pets are vulnerable to extreme heat as well.

• Provide plenty of fresh water.
• Walk dogs early in the morning or after sunset.
• Test pavement with the back of your hand—if it's too hot for your hand, it's too hot for paws.
• Never leave pets inside a parked vehicle.
• Ensure outdoor animals have shade throughout the day.

Preparedness Starts with Community

Emergencies remind us that preparedness is about more than supplies—it's about people.

A phone call. A text message. A knock on a door.

These small acts of kindness can make a tremendous difference during extreme heat. Whether your neighbor is 18 or 88, checking in lets them know someone cares and may identify a problem before it becomes an emergency.

As temperatures continue to climb, commit to looking after yourself, your family, and your community. Together, we can reduce the impact of extreme heat and help ensure everyone stays safe.

Stay cool. Stay hydrated. Stay connected. Check on your neighbors.

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Michael Cady, MSDM, NEMAA, is an emergency management professional with more than 30 years of experience working with first responders, five years of federal disaster recovery experience assisting disaster survivors and has operated LMD Disaster Survival Kits since 2007. Michael holds associate and bachelor’s degrees in Homeland Security Emergency Management and a master’s degree in Climate Security and Disaster Management from the University of Alaska Fairbanks. He currently supports emergency management, health, and safety measures for more than 500 staff in a behavioral health organization. Preparedness questions matter, and LMD Disaster Survival Kits welcomes the opportunity to help individuals, families, workplaces, and communities become better prepared.