Extreme Heat Season: June–August Home & Health Prep

Why Extreme Heat Demands Preparation

Extreme heat is the deadliest weather-related hazard in the United States, causing more fatalities each year than hurricanes, tornadoes, or floods combined. During June through August, high temperatures and humidity can put both your health and your home at risk. This guide provides actionable steps—based on guidance from the National Weather Service, the CDC, FEMA, and Ready.gov—to help you prepare for extreme heat events.

Understanding Your Heat Risk

Heat risk varies by location, but everyone can be affected. The National Weather Service issues heat alerts based on the heat index (how hot it feels when humidity is factored in). Know your local NWS office and sign up for alerts. Medicare.gov and other resources can help you find cooling centers near you.

Home Preparation: Keeping Your Living Space Cool

Your home is your first line of defense against extreme heat. These measures can reduce indoor temperatures and protect your property.

Seal and Insulate

Check windows and doors for drafts. Use weatherstripping or caulk to seal gaps, keeping cool air in and hot air out. Add insulation in your attic and walls to maintain a stable indoor temperature. According to Ready.gov, proper insulation can reduce cooling costs and improve comfort.

Use Window Coverings

Close blinds, curtains, or shades during the hottest part of the day (typically 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) to block solar radiation. Reflective films or light-colored curtains can further reduce heat gain.

Optimize Your Cooling System

• Air conditioning: Have your AC serviced before summer. Clean or replace filters monthly. If you don’t have central AC, consider a window unit or portable air conditioner.
• Ceiling fans: Use ceiling fans in a counterclockwise direction to create a wind-chill effect. But remember: fans cool people, not rooms. Turn them off when the room is empty.
• Evaporative coolers: In dry climates, swamp coolers can be an energy-efficient alternative. But they require proper ventilation.

Create a Cool Room

Identify one room in your home that stays the coolest—often a north-facing room or basement—and equip it with a fan, cool water, and a battery-powered radio. This can serve as a refuge during extreme heat waves, especially if power is lost.

Protect Your Home’s Exterior

Trim trees and shrubs away from your house to improve airflow. If you have a dark-colored roof, consider installing reflective roofing materials or a green roof. Outdoor fabrics and furniture can also benefit from UV protection.

Health and Safety for Your Household

Extreme heat can cause heat illness, from heat cramps to heat stroke. Follow these guidelines from the CDC to stay safe.

Recognize Heat-Related Illnesses

Symptom	Action
Heavy sweating, weakness, nausea (heat exhaustion)	Move to cool area, sip water, apply cool cloths. If symptoms worsen, get medical help.
Hot, red, dry skin; confusion; unconsciousness (heat stroke)	Call 911 immediately. Cool the person with any means available until help arrives.

Hydration Tips

• Drink plenty of water before you feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, which can dehydrate you.
• Encourage children and older adults to drink regularly; they are more vulnerable.
• Keep a supply of water in your emergency kit: one gallon per person per day for at least three days.

Protect Vulnerable Individuals

Check on neighbors who live alone, especially older adults or those with chronic health conditions. Never leave children or pets in a parked car—even with windows cracked, temperatures inside can rise to deadly levels in minutes.

Power Outage Preparedness

Extreme heat often stresses the power grid, leading to rolling blackouts. Be ready.

• Have a battery-operated fan, a portable power station, or a backup generator (used safely outdoors).
• Keep your phone charged. Consider a solar charger.
• Know how to manually open your garage door.
• Stock up on non-perishable food that doesn’t require cooking to avoid adding heat.

Community Resources and Early Warning

During a heat wave, local agencies often open cooling centers in libraries, community centers, or malls. Locate these before an emergency. Sign up for your community’s emergency alert system. The FEMA app can provide weather alerts and safety tips.

Conclusion: Act Now for a Safer Summer

Extreme heat is predictable, but its worst effects are preventable. By preparing your home, knowing the signs of heat illness, and having a plan for power outages, you can protect your family and your property. Start these steps now, before the temperature soars. Visit Ready.gov/heat and CDC’s Extreme Heat page for more detailed information.