Heat risk map
You can check the heat risk on this new map from the National Weather Service. Heat risk includes consideration of how unusual the heat is for the time of year and the duration of the heat.
Heat related deaths
Over 600 people in the United States die each year from extreme heat. Heat related deaths can be prevented. Children, older adults, people with disabilities and those who work outside are most at risk for heat related illnesses or death. However, anyone can experience heat related illness or die from extreme heat if precautions are not taken.
Heat related illnesses
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are preventable. Both can be very serious and may require medical treatment.
Learn about how you can reduce your risk of heat related illnesses
Hot cars
Each year about 40 children die from being left in a hot car. Typically, more than half of the children who die are under 2 years old.
If you see an animal, child or adult who is unable to remove themselves from a hot car, call 911 immediately.
The temperature inside a car quickly rises. Cracking the window an inch or two does not keep the temperature of the car cool enough to be safe. Never leave an animal, child, older adult or person with disabilities inside the car on a warm day, even for "just a minute". Law enforcement may break into your car to rescue a person trapped in a hot car.
In many states (including Washington, Idaho and Oregon) it is illegal to leave an animal in a hot car and law enforcement may break into the car to rescue an animal from a hot car.
If you see an animal, child or adult who is unable to remove themselves from a hot car, call 911 immediately.
The temperature inside a car quickly rises. Cracking the window an inch or two does not keep the temperature of the car cool enough to be safe. Never leave an animal, child, older adult or person with disabilities inside the car on a warm day, even for "just a minute". Law enforcement may break into your car to rescue a person trapped in a hot car.
In many states (including Washington, Idaho and Oregon) it is illegal to leave an animal in a hot car and law enforcement may break into the car to rescue an animal from a hot car.
https://www.statefarm.com/simple-insights/family/pets-in-hot-cars
Power outage
Power outages or blackouts are possible during the summer when electricity demand is high.
A standard emergency kit with food, water and a flashlight can be used during a power outage.
During an outage, there is also the risk of food going bad inside your fridge. Keep the fridge door closed as much as possible. You can prepare for an outage by freezing several water bottles and putting the frozen bottles into the fridge if you lose power. This will help keep the fridge cooler. Food that is warmer than 40 degrees for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
If you use a medication that must be refrigerated, have a plan in place in the event of a power outage. Most refrigerated medications can only last a few hours without being chilled. On the other hand, some medications cannot be exposed to heat for prolonged periods of time and you may need a plan in place to prevent these medications from getting too hot.
A standard emergency kit with food, water and a flashlight can be used during a power outage.
During an outage, there is also the risk of food going bad inside your fridge. Keep the fridge door closed as much as possible. You can prepare for an outage by freezing several water bottles and putting the frozen bottles into the fridge if you lose power. This will help keep the fridge cooler. Food that is warmer than 40 degrees for more than 2 hours should be discarded.
If you use a medication that must be refrigerated, have a plan in place in the event of a power outage. Most refrigerated medications can only last a few hours without being chilled. On the other hand, some medications cannot be exposed to heat for prolonged periods of time and you may need a plan in place to prevent these medications from getting too hot.
Cold water shock
Cold water shock happens when you first enter cold water. You may experience gasping for air or increased heart rate.
Hot weather does not necessarily mean the water is warm. Be aware that the water may be much colder than you expect. You lose body heat much faster in cold water compared to cold air. The shock from cold water can put you at risk for downing or having a heart attack .Wearing a life jacket can significantly increase your odds for survival if you do fall into cold water. Cold water shock can happen at any time during the year.
Hot weather does not necessarily mean the water is warm. Be aware that the water may be much colder than you expect. You lose body heat much faster in cold water compared to cold air. The shock from cold water can put you at risk for downing or having a heart attack .Wearing a life jacket can significantly increase your odds for survival if you do fall into cold water. Cold water shock can happen at any time during the year.