Disasters · US
Extreme heat
Stay cool without relying on a fan, and know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Quick card · Extreme heatSources checked 29 Oct 2026
Before
During
- Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day. 1
- Drink fluids, take cool showers, wear loose light-colored clothing, and avoid hard work in midday heat. 1
- Check on older relatives and neighbors. 1
- Heat stroke (body temperature above 103°F, hot red dry skin, confusion): call 911, move the person somewhere cool, and put cold wet cloths on the head, neck, armpits and groin. 1
- Heat exhaustion (heavy sweating, cramps, weakness, nausea): move somewhere cooler and sip water or a sports drink. Get medical help if it lasts more than an hour. 1
What counts as extreme heat
FEMA describes extreme heat as temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days, often with high humidity. 1
Heat exhaustion or heat stroke?
| Heat exhaustion | Heat stroke | |
|---|---|---|
| Signs | Heavy sweating, paleness, cramps, tiredness, weakness, fast or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, nausea, fainting | Body temperature above 103°F, red hot dry skin with no sweating, fast strong pulse, confusion or unconsciousness |
| What to do | Move somewhere cooler, loosen clothing, sip water or a sports drink. Call a doctor if it gets worse or lasts over an hour | Call 911. Move to shade, remove outer clothing, cool the head, neck, armpits and groin with cold wet cloths or ice packs |
From FEMA’s Ready.gov. 1 Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
Help with cooling costs
If you can’t afford cooling or energy repairs, FEMA points to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). 1