SOUTH CAROLINA, July 17, 2023 — An extreme heat event is a series of hot days, much hotter than average for a particular time and place. Extreme heat is deadly and kills more people than any other weather event.

“Climate change is making extreme heat events more frequent, more severe, and last longer,” said Rod Tolbert, CEO of the Red Cross of South Carolina. “But we can take action to prepare. Prepare now to protect yourself and your loved ones.”

Learn How to Stay Hydrated

You need to drink enough water to prevent heat illness. An average person needs to drink about 3/4 of a gallon of water daily. Everyone’s needs may vary.

• You can check that you are getting enough water by noting your urine color. Dark yellow may indicate you are not drinking enough.
• Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
• If you are sweating a lot, combine water with snacks or a sports drink to replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. 
• Talk to your doctor about how to prepare if you have a medical condition or are taking medicines.

 Gather Emergency Supplies

• Gather food, water and medicine. Sores might be closed.
• Organize supplies into a Go-Kit and a Stay-at-Home Kit. In the event of a power outage, you may lose access to clean drinking water. Set aside at least one gallon of drinking water per person per day. Consider adding drinks with electrolytes. Include sunscreen and wide-brimmed hats.·      
• Go-Kit: at least three days of supplies that you can carry with you. Include backup batteries and chargers for your devices (cell phone, CPAP, wheelchair, etc.).
• Stay-at-Home Kit: at least two weeks of supplies.
• Have a 1-month supply of medication in a child-proof container and medical supplies or equipment.
• Keep personal, financial, and medical records safe and easy to access (hard copies or securely backed up).

Learn Emergency Skills

• Learn how to recognize and respond to heat illness.
• Learn First Aid and CPR.
• Be ready to live without power. Utilities may be offline. Be ready to live without power, gas, and water. 
• Plan for your electrical needs, including cell phones and medical equipment. Talk to your doctor. Plan for backup power.

Plan to Stay Connected

• Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government.
• Plan to monitor local weather and news.
• Have a backup battery or a way to charge your cell phone.
• Have a battery-powered radio during a power outage.
• Understand the types of alerts you may receive and plan to respond when you receive them:

A WATCH means Be Prepared!

A WARNING means Take Action!

Accidents and Emergencies Happen

The Red Cross has several resources to help people learn how to treat bee stings, burns, and heat emergencies, including online and in-person training courses, a free First Aid app, and a First Aid Skill for Amazon Alexa-enabled devices.

About the American Red Cross: The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation's blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or cruzrojaamericana.org, or follow us on Twitter at @RedCrossSC.

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