Heat can make anyone sick. Know who in your home is most at risk, where you can cool off, and when to call 911.
Adults 65 and older, babies and young children, pregnant people, people with heart disease or other chronic conditions, outdoor workers and anyone without air conditioning face the most risk.
What the alerts mean
- Extreme Heat Watch, an extreme heat event is possible but the timing is uncertain.
- Heat Advisory, dangerous heat that falls short of a warning.
- Extreme Heat Warning, extremely dangerous heat. Avoid midday outdoor activity and stay in air conditioning, including overnight.
Heat illness
- Heat exhaustion looks like heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, cramps, dizziness or nausea. Move somewhere cooler and sip water.
- Heat stroke is an emergency, so call 911. Signs include confusion, slurred speech, hot red skin or passing out.
Cars, pets and staying cool
- Never leave a child, a person with a disability or a pet in a car. Lock your car at home so children cannot climb in.
- Hot pavement can burn paws, so give pets shade and cool water.
- Call 2-1-1 or your local health department to find a cooling center.
- CDC says to use a fan only when indoor temperatures are under 90°F.
Free pages to print
Extreme heat guide
A short guide to keeping kids, older relatives and pets cool.
Our power-out plan
A blank single page you can print and fill in by hand.
Sources: National Weather Service, heat alerts and heat safety; CDC, Heat Health; Ready.gov, Extreme Heat. Checked October 2026. Alert criteria vary by local forecast office.
General information for families, not legal, medical or financial advice. In an emergency, follow local officials and call 911.
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