There are a few general recommendations to keep as cool as possible when power outages occur. Assure you stay hydrated, drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Set up a buddy system, check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you. Don’t use the stove or oven to cook—it will make you and your house hotter. Open windows, where possible to allow a cross breeze to cool your house. Wear loose and lightweight clothing. Take cool showers or baths to cool down. 

It is essential to be able to recognize the symptoms of heat related illness and seek medical attention when necessary.  The chart below outlines the symptoms and recommendations to address heat-related illness.

Illness

Symptoms

Action
 

Heat
Stroke

 high body temperature (103°F or higher)
hot, red, dry, or damp skin
fast, strong pulse
headache
feeling dizzy
nausea 
feeling confused
losing consciousness (passing out)		  

call 911 right away
move the person to a cooler place
help lower the person’s temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath
do not give the person anything to drink

Heat
Exhaustion

 heavy sweating
cold, pale, and clammy skin
fast, weak pulse
nausea or vomiting
muscle cramps
feeling tired, weak or dizzy;
headache
fainting (passing out)

move the person to a cool place
loosen their clothes
put cool, wet cloths on their body or put them in a cool bath and
give them water

Seek medical help if:
the individual is throwing up
has symptoms that get worse or last longer than one hour