Climate Change & Extreme Heat

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EXTREME HEAT
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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?
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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?
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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
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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