Extreme heat is the most dangerous type of severe-weather event from Harlem to Harare.

We can take action to prepare our loved ones and communities for extreme heat events and related power outages. 

Learn what to do before, during, and after to help keep everyone safe and healthy. 

Ensure you know the types of notifications you will receive and what to do when you receive them. The National Weather Service issues heat advisories and excessive heat warnings when unusual periods of hot weather are expected.

Listen to local weather forecasters. You may hear these terms when a heat wave is predicted in your community:

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Be Aware! An excessive heat outlook is issued when the potential exists for an excessive heat event in the next 3- 7 days.

It provides information to individuals who need considerable lead time to prepare for the event.

Be Prepared! A heat watch is issued when conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event in the next 24 to 72 hours.

It is used when the risk of an extreme heat event has increased, but its occurrence and timing is still uncertain.

Take Action! An excessive heat warning or a heat advisory is issued within 12 hours of the onset of extremely dangerous heat conditions.

Take precautions immediately to avoid heat-related illness.

What Should You Do Before a Heat Wave?

Learn How to Stay Hydrated

Gather Water & Emergency Supplies

Gather food, water, and medicine in advance because stores and pharmacies might be closed.

Organize your supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit.

Take Actions to Keep Your Home Cool

Plan to Go to a Cool Place

Spending a few hours each day in air conditioning can help prevent or reduce heat-related illness. 

If you do not have air conditioning in your home, identify a place where you can spend the warmest part of the day during an extreme heat event.

What Should You Do During a Heat Wave?

How Can You Stay Safe After a Heat Wave?

How to Treat Heat-Related Illnesses

During heat waves people are susceptible to three heat-related conditions. Here’s how to recognize and respond to them.

How to Recognize and Treat Heat Cramps

Heat cramps are muscle spasms, often in the abdomen, arms or calves, caused by a large loss of salt and water in the body.

Get medical help right away if cramps last longer than 1 hour. 

How to Recognize and Treat Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a severe heat-related illness requiring emergency medical treatment.

Get medical help right away if:

How to Recognize and Treat Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is the most serious medical condition caused by extreme heat. It requires immediate emergency treatment. It can result in death without immediate medical attention.

Call 911 right away — heat stroke is a medical emergency, then:

Download the Heat Wave Safety Checklist

Checklist Available in Multiple Languages

For more information go to the Red Cross.

"Dr. Harry Delany is a renowned Harlem born and raised surgeon, the son of the great jurist and civil rights leader, Hubert Delany...." This monthly post is made in partnership with Harlem Cultural Archives.

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