Preparing for Heat

Preparing for Extreme Heat

• Learn to recognize the signs of heat illness.  
• Do not rely on only a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans create air flow and false sense of comfort, but no not reduce body temperature or prevent heat illness. 
• Identify places in your community where you can go to get cool such as libraries, shopping malls, or parks with water features.  
• Weather-strip doors and windows. 
• Use window reflectors specially designed to reflect heat back outside. 
• Add insulation to keep the heat out. 
• Use a powered attic ventilator, or attic fan, to regulate the heat level of a building’s attic by clearing out hot air. 
• Install window air conditioners and insulate around them. 

Stay Safe During Extreme Heat

• Never leave people or pets in a closed car on a warm day. 
• If air conditioning is not available in your home, go to a cooling center or public building. 
• Take cool showers or baths. 
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, 
• Use your oven less to help reduce the temperature in your home. 
• If you’re outside, find shade. 
• Wear a hat wide enough to protect your face. 
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. 
• Avoid high-energy activities or work outdoors during midday heat, if possible. 
• Check on family members, older adults and neighbors. 
• Watch for heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. 
• Consider pet safety. If they are outside, make sure they have plenty of cool water and access to comfortable shade. Asphalt and dark pavement can be very hot to your pet’s feet. 

Heat-Related Illness

Know the signs of heat-related illnesses and ways to respond. If you are sick and need medical attention, contact your healthcare provider for advice and shelter in place if you can. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. 

Heat Stroke Signs

• Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees Fahrenheit) taken orally 
• Red, hot and dry skin with no sweat 
• Rapid, strong pulse 
• Dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness 

If you suspect heat stroke, call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately. If possible: move the person suffering from heat stroke into a cool area. Removed any outer clothing and place a cold wet cloth or ice pack on the head, neck, armpits and groin. You can also soak the person’s clothing with cool water.  

Heat Cramp Signs

Muscle pain or spasms in the stomach, arms or legs 

Heat Exhaustion Signs

• Heavy sweating 
• Paleness 
• Muscle cramps 
• Tiredness and weakness 
• Fast or weak pulse 
• Dizziness 
• Headache 
• Fainting 
• Nausea and vomiting  

If you have signs of heat cramps or heat exhaustion, go to a cooler location and cool down my removing excess clothing and taking sips of water or sports drink. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour. 

Check out these places to cool off around Missoula 

• South Gate Mall 
• Missoula Public Library 
• Missoula Art Museum 
• Missoula Food Bank 
• The Clark Fork River 
• Parks with water features 
  • Bonner Park 
  • Franklin Park 
  • Marilyn Park
  • Sacajawea Park 
  • South Side Lions Park 
  • Westside Park