Climate Change & Extreme Heat
EXTREME HEAT

Extreme heat events, or heat waves, are a leading cause of EXTREME WEATHER-RELATED DEATHS in the United States and the number of heat-related deaths is rising!
WHO’S AT RISK?

Adults over 65, children under 4, people with existing medical problems such as heart disease, and people without access to air conditioning.
WHAT CAN YOU DO?

STAY COOL
- Find an air-conditioned shelter
- Avoid direct sunlight
- Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing
- Take cool showers or baths
- Do not rely on a fan as your primary cooling device
STAY HYDRATED
- Drink more water than usual
- Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids
- Avoid alcohol or liquids containing high amouts of sugar
- Remind others to drink enough water


STAY INFORMED
- Check local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips
- Learn the symptoms of heat illness
LEARN MORE
Visit CDC’s Environmental Public Health Tracking Network to learn more about climate change and extreme heat at https://ephtracking.cdc.gov/
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Page last reviewed: December 24, 2019
Content source: National Center for Environmental Health