Do not rely on a fan as your main cooling. Find a cool place, drink fluids, check on others, and call 9-1-1 for signs of heat stroke.
Before the heat
Identify places where you can get cool, such as libraries and shopping malls, or ask your local health department about cooling options. Cover windows with drapes or shades, weather-strip doors and windows, add insulation, and install window air conditioners with insulation around them. If you cannot afford cooling costs, Ready.gov points to LIHEAP.
During the heat
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, use your oven less, and avoid high-energy activity or outdoor work at midday if possible. Outside, find shade and wear a hat wide enough to protect your face. Give pets cool water and shade, and remember that asphalt can burn their feet.
Heat cramps and heat exhaustion
Cramps show as muscle pain or spasms. Heat exhaustion shows as heavy sweating, paleness, tiredness, weakness, a fast or weak pulse, dizziness, headache, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Go to a cooler place, remove excess clothing and sip water or a sports drink. Call your healthcare provider if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.
Heat stroke
Signs are a body temperature above 103 degrees F, red, hot, dry skin with no sweat, a rapid strong pulse, dizziness, confusion or unconsciousness. Call 9-1-1 or take the person to a hospital immediately. If possible, move them to a cool, shaded area, remove outer clothing, and place a cold wet cloth or ice pack on the head, neck, armpits and groin.
Who is at higher risk
Ready.gov lists older adults, children and people with certain illnesses or chronic conditions as being at higher risk in extreme heat. Check on family, older adults and neighbors.
Cars, pets and cooling
Do not keep people or animals inside a shut car on warm days. Outdoors, give pets cool water and shade, and remember that dark pavement can burn their paws. Do not rely on a fan as your main way to cool down, because it does not lower body temperature. If your home lacks air conditioning, go to a cooling center.
Check your own location
See current official alerts and the impact for your ZIP code.
Common questions
What counts as extreme heat?
Ready.gov defines extreme heat as a period of high heat and humidity with temperatures above 90 degrees for at least two to three days.
Is a fan enough to stay cool in a heat wave?
No. Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device. Fans do not reduce body temperature or prevent heat-related illness.
What can I do if my home has no air conditioning?
Find a cooling center, take cool showers or baths, and drink plenty of fluids.
What are the signs of heat stroke?
A body temperature above 103 degrees F, hot dry skin with no sweat, a rapid pulse, and confusion. Call 9-1-1 or get the person to a hospital immediately.
Sources
Reviewed by the Storm Incoming editorial team on October 26, 2026. Follow local emergency officials if their instructions differ.