How to stay cool when the power's out in a heat wave

Heat is the deadliest outage risk in summer

Losing air conditioning in extreme heat is a genuine medical hazard, not just discomfort — heat is the leading weather-related killer in the US, per the National Weather Service. Older adults, young children, people with chronic illness, and anyone on certain medications are most at risk.

Know heat exhaustion vs heat stroke

Per the CDC: heat exhaustion = heavy sweating, cold/pale/clammy skin, fast weak pulse, nausea, dizziness, headache — move to a cool place, sip water, loosen clothing, use cool cloths. Heat stroke = body temp 103 °F+, hot/red/dry or damp skin, fast strong pulse, confusion, or loss of consciousness — this is a 911 emergency: move the person to cool, help lower temperature with cloths or a cool bath, and do not give fluids to someone not fully alert.

Get to air conditioning

A few hours in air conditioning is the most effective protection, per the CDC — a cooling center, library, mall, or a friend's home with power. Call 211 or check your county emergency-management site for open cooling centers. A fan alone is not enough once the air temperature is above roughly the high-90s °F.

Hydrate and slow down

Drink water before you feel thirsty; avoid alcohol and sugary drinks. Wear light, loose clothing, stay on the lowest floor out of direct sun, and skip strenuous activity during the hottest hours. Wet cloths on the neck, wrists, and ankles, or a cool shower, shed heat fast.

Check on the vulnerable — and pets

Check on older neighbors and anyone with health conditions; most heat deaths are people alone indoors. Never leave children or pets in a vehicle. Pets need shade and water too.

Plan around the restoration time

If the outage will be long and the heat is dangerous, leaving for a cool place is the safe call. Check your address for the restoration outlook and set a free alert for when the AC can come back on.