DO NOT DELETE THE "EMPTY" SECTION CONTROL BELOW THIS. IT CONTAINS THE GHOST OF CLARA BARTON.

If you are in immediate need of help, please contact your local Red Cross » or find an open shelter »
Please review our guidance on preparing for extreme heat while still protecting yourself from COVID-19. Preparing for Disaster During COVID-19 »
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:
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.
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.
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.
Heat cramps are muscle spasms, often in the abdomen, arms or calves, caused by a large loss of salt and water in the body.
What to look for:
What to do:
Get medical help right away if cramps last longer than 1 hour.
Heat exhaustion is a severe heat-related illness requiring emergency medical treatment.
What to look for:
What to do:
Get medical help right away if:
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.
What to look for:
What to do:
Call 911 right away — heat stroke is a medical emergency, then:
Find our Emergency App in the Apple Store » or Google Play »
Aplicación de Emergencias - ahora disponible en español » también!
Help people affected by disasters big and small.