Public Health Madison & Dane County

Protecting Yourself in Extreme Heat

air conditioning sticker

To protect yourself and your family during extreme heat, follow these safety tips: 

For Yourself and Loved Ones

  • Stay inside. When possible, stay indoors.
    • Remain in air-conditioned buildings. 
    • If you need a cool place to stay, public places such as local senior and community centers, libraries, and malls are good options. The map below includes libraries and volunteer cooling center locations. Call ahead to confirm hours of operation:
  • Limit outdoor activity. If you must go outside, try to avoid the hours of 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, which are the hottest parts of the day. Avoid direct sunlight and stay in the shade. 
  • If you must go outside, dress in cool clothing. Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.

Stay hydrated

  • Drink water. 
    • Drink more water than usual and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.
    • Drink two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
  • Avoid alcohol and liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
  • Look out for your family and pets. Make sure your family and pets are drinking enough water too.

Stay connected

  • Stay updated. Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips.
  • Keep in-touch. 
    • Regularly check on friends, loved ones, and neighbors. 
    • Call, text, drop by in person, or do a video call.

Keep an eye on your health

  • If you start feeling overheated, weak, dizzy, nauseated, or have muscle cramps, you could be experiencing heat illness. 
  • Move to air conditioning, drink water, get under a fan, and put on cool washcloths. 
  • If your symptoms worsen or don't improve, go to the emergency room.

Never leave people or pets in cars

  • Never sit in a parked car or leave a person or pet in a parked car.
  • If you see a parked car with a child or pet left alone, call 911 and stay with the car.
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