Understanding Extreme Heat - Information provided by FEMA 

June 21 marks the official start of Summer, but 2024 gave an early preview that required extreme-heat advisories in our region. High temperatures continue to impact communities’ well-being and their day-to-day activities. With that in mind, our National Preparedness team has developed the attached toolkit all about heat safety and drought preparedness.

Use the toolkit to educate your communities on how to prevent exposure to the dangers of heat and to prepare for drought conditions.

Heat, Mental Health, and Medications

Most people know that extreme heat can cause physical illness, but did you know that it can also impact your mental health? The American Psychiatric Association explains: “People with mental illness do not tolerate heat as well as others because of the chemistry of their illness. Patients with psychiatric disorders are also at increased risk for heat illness and mortality from medications that prevent an optimal response to physiological heat stress (Sorensen).”

According to the CDC, some medications may increase the sensitivity of the skin to the sun; heat exposure may damage medication delivery devices and may degrade medications.

Basic Protections

• Check in on neighbors and loved ones, especially the elderly and those without air conditioning.
• Supervise young kids’ outdoor time – make sure they hydrate and stay cool
• If you have a power outage or no air conditioning, go to a cooling center, public library, or the mall to cool down
• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate. Drink water to replace your fluids and cool down your body
• If you work outdoors, read these recommendations by FEMA