Heat and Drought 

• Heat waves can be dangerous and even life-threatening for people who don’t take the proper precautions.

• According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, there were 375 heat-related deaths in 2021. Heat also holds the highest 10-year average of deaths per year with 153 fatalities, and the highest 30-year average of any hazard at 164 fatalities.

• Most heat disorders occur because the victim has been overexposed to heat or has over-exercised for his or her age and physical condition. Older adults, young children, and those who are sick, or overweight are more likely to succumb to extreme heat.

• Extreme heat and high humidity slow evaporation, and the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature.

• During times of extreme heat, many areas may also see reduced rainfall or drought. As the summer continues and temperatures rise, there may be an increased risk of drought in our region. If a drought should occur, it is important to know what measures to take to decrease the impact to yourself and property.

Heat Preparedness

Know the terms:  

• Heat Wave - A period of abnormally and uncomfortably hot and unusually humid weather. Typically, a heat wave lasts two or more days.

• Heat Index - The Heat Index (HI) or the "Apparent Temperature" is an accurate measure of how hot it really feels when the Relative Humidity (RH) is added to the actual air temperature.

• Heat Cramps - A condition marked by sudden development of cramps in skeletal muscles. It results from prolonged work or exercise in high temperatures accompanied by profuse perspiration with loss of sodium chloride from the body.

• Heat Exhaustion - A mild form of heat stroke, characterized by faintness, dizziness, and heavy sweating

• Heat Stroke - A life-threatening condition marked especially by cessation of sweating, extremely high body temperature, and collapse that results from prolonged exposure to high temperature — compared to

• Sun Stroke - Another term for heat stroke.

• Excessive Heat Watch - Issued by the National Weather Service when heat indices exceeding 105ºF (41ºC) during the day combined with nighttime low temperatures of 80ºF (27ºC) or higher are forecast to occur for two consecutive days.

• Excessive Heat Warning - Issued within 12 hours of the onset of the following criteria: heat index of at least 105°F for more than three hours per day for two consecutive days, or heat index more than 115°F for any period of time.

• Heat Advisory - Issued within 12 hours of the onset of the following conditions: heat index of at least 105°F but less than 115°F for less than three hours per day, or nighttime lows above 80°F for two consecutive days.

Before extreme heat occurs, it is important to take steps now to prepare:

• Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.

• Check air conditioning ducts for proper insulation.

• Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.

• Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.

• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)

• Keep storm windows up all year.

• Listen to local weather forecasts and be aware of possible temperature changes.

• Know those in your neighborhood who might be most at risk to excessive heat and may need help.

• Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than people living in rural areas.

• Get trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.

What you should do if the weather is extremely hot:

• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio for critical updates from the National Weather Service (NWS).

• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.

• Stay on the lowest floor and out of direct sunshine if air conditioning is not available.

• Postpone outdoor games and activities.

• If you must be outside, protect yourself by using sunscreen on exposed skin.

• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in temperature-controlled buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls and other community facilities. Remember to practice social distancing.

• Circulating air can cool the body by increasing the rate at which perspiration evaporates.

• Eat well-balanced, light, and regular meals. Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

• Drink plenty of water, even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with caffeine. Persons who have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.

• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.

• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight, and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Avoid dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

• Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.

• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

• Avoid extreme temperature changes.

• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

• People living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than those living in rural areas. Asphalt and concrete store heat longer and gradually release heat at night, which can produce higher nighttime temperatures known as the "urban heat island effect."

Drought Preparedness

Indoor Water Conservation Tips Prior to a Drought (General, Bathroom, Kitchen):

• Never pour water down the drain when there may be another use for it. For example, use it to water your indoor plants or garden.

• Repair dripping faucets by replacing washers. One drop per second wastes 2,700 gallons of water per year.

• Check all plumbing for leaks and have any leaks repaired by a plumber.

• Retrofit all household faucets by installing aerators with flow restrictors.

• Install an instant hot water heater on your sink.

• Insulate your water pipes to reduce heat loss and prevent them from breaking.

• Install a water-softening system only when the minerals in the water would damage your pipes. Turn the softener off while on vacation.

• Choose appliances that are more energy and water efficient.

• Consider purchasing a low-volume toilet that uses less than half the water of older models. Note: In many areas, low-volume units are required by law.

• Install a toilet displacement device to cut down on the amount of water needed to flush. Place a one-gallon plastic jug of water into the tank to displace toilet flow (do not use a brick, it may dissolve, and loose pieces may cause damage to the internal parts). Be sure installation does not interfere with the operating parts.

• Replace your showerhead with an ultra-low-flow version.

• Start a compost pile as an alternate method of disposing of food waste or simply dispose of food in the garbage. (Kitchen sink disposals require a lot of water to operate properly)

Outdoor Water Conservation Tips Prior to a Drought (general, lawn, pool):

• Check your well pump periodically. If the automatic pump turns on and off while water is not being used, you have a leak.

• Plant native and/or drought-tolerant grasses, ground covers, shrubs, and trees. Once established, plants adapted to your local climate do not need water as frequently and usually will survive a dry period without watering. Small plants require less water to become established. Group plants together based on similar water needs.

• Install irrigation devices that are the most water efficient for each use, such as micro and drip irrigation, and soaker hoses.

• Use mulch to retain moisture in the soil. Mulch also helps control weeds that compete with landscape plants for water.

• Avoid purchasing recreational water toys that require a constant stream of water.

• Avoid installing ornamental water features (such as fountains) unless they use re-circulated water.

• Consider rainwater harvesting where practical.

• Contact your local water provider for information and assistance.

• Position sprinklers so water lands on the lawn and shrubs and not on paved areas.

• Repair sprinklers that spray a fine mist. Most misting issues result from a pressure problem. Properly regulating pressure in an irrigation system will prevent misting.

• Check sprinkler systems and timing devices regularly to be sure they operate properly.

• Raise the lawn mower blade to at least 3 inches or to its highest level. A higher cut encourages grass roots to grow deeper, shades the root system, and holds soil moisture.

• Plant drought-resistant lawn seed. Reduce or eliminate lawn areas that are not used frequently.

• Avoid overfertilizing your lawn. Applying fertilizer increases the need for water. Apply fertilizers that contain slow-release, water-insoluble forms of nitrogen.

• Choose a water-efficient irrigation system such as drip irrigation for your trees, shrubs and flowers.

• Turn irrigation down in fall and off in winter. Water manually in winter only if needed.

• Put a layer of mulch around trees and plants to reduce evaporation and keep the soil cool. Organic mulch also improves the soil and prevents weeds.

• Invest in a weather-based irrigation controller—or a smart controller. These devices will automatically adjust the watering time and frequency based on soil moisture, rain, wind, and evaporation and transpiration rates. Check with your local water agency to see if there is a rebate available for the purchase of a smart controller.

• Install a new water-saving pool filter. A single back flushing with a traditional filter uses 180 to 250 gallons of water.

• Cover pools and spas to reduce evaporation of water.

Additional Online Resources

• FEMA’s Protective Actions Research for Extreme Heat

• FEMA’s Protective Actions Research site features literature review-style research for protective actions that people can take to prepare for, keep safe during, and recover from extreme heat incidents.

• FEMA’s Guide for Alerts and Warnings

• FEMA’s Guide for Alerts and Warnings provides people with information about what they can do to stay safe when they receive an excessive heat watch or warning – whether at home or in the car. This guide is based on research-backed messaging from FEMA’s Protective Actions Research for extreme heat.

• FEMA’s Extreme Heat Hazard Information Sheet

• FEMA’s two-page hazard information sheet for extreme heat highlights the key ways that people can take steps to prepare for, stay safe after, and recover from an extreme heat incident. This information sheet is based on research-backed messaging from FEMA’s Protective Actions Research for extreme heat.

• FEMA’s Extreme Heat Data Digest

• FEMA’s Extreme Heat Data Digest uses findings from the 2022 National Household Survey on Disaster Preparedness to provide preparedness practitioners and emergency managers with key findings about preparedness for extreme heat events, research-validated protective actions, and calls to action to help motivate communities to prepare.