State of Connecticut CT Prepares - Connecticut’s Emergency Management News and Resource Center

Extreme Heat

Before Extreme Heat

  • Prepare an emergency kit.
  • Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
  • Listen to local news and stay aware of upcoming heat waves.
  • Get trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related illness.
  • Be aware of local cooling stations in case you need to leave your home.
  • Keep gas tank at least half full in case you need to leave your home for a shelter.

During Extreme Heat

  • Watch for symptoms of heat illness.
    • Heavy sweating
    • Muscle cramps
    • Weakness
    • Dizziness
    • Nausea
    • Weak but rapid pulse
    • Headaches
  • People with these symptoms should find shade, drink water slowly, and make sure there is good ventilation.
  • Stay in an air-conditioned area, either at home or in a public place such as a mall, library, or recreation center.
  • If air conditioning is not available, pull the shades over the windows and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool rooms.
  • Never leave infants, children, or pets inside a parked vehicle.
  • Increase fluid intake.
  • Limit exercise or outdoor activity between the hours of 11 am and 3 pm.
  • Follow instructions from local emergency and utility officials regarding water use restrictions.
  • Be particularly aware of dry vegetation near buildings, as it could be fuel for a brush fire that could spread to structures.
  • Farmers should make sure that livestock and horses have access to drinking water and consider irrigations, if possible, for crops.