Beat the Heat: Extreme Heat
Heat-related deaths are preventable.
What
Extreme heat or heat waves occur when the temperature reaches extremely high levels or when the combination of heat and humidity causes the air to become oppressive.
Who
- Children
- Older adults
- Outdoor workers
- People with disabilities
- More males than females are affected
Where
- Houses with little to no air conditioning
- Construction worksites
- Cars
How to Avoid
- Stay hydrated with water; avoid sugary beverages
- Stay cool in an air-conditioned area
- Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes
Heat in Cars
During extreme heat, the temperature in your car could be deadly.
- Outside temperature 80 degrees: inside car 109 degrees after 20 minutes
- Outside temperature 80 degrees: inside car 118 degrees after 40 minutes
- Outside temperature 80 degrees: inside car 123 degrees after 60 minutes
Heat Alerts: Know the Difference
- Heat Outlook: excessive heat event in 3 to 7 days
- Heat Watches: excessive heat event in 12 to 48 hours
- Heat Warning/Advisory: excessive heat event in next 36 hours
Did You Know?
- Those living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than those living in rural areas.
- Most heat-related illnesses occur because of overexposure to heat or over-exercising.
- Sunburn can significantly slow the skin’s ability to release excess heat.
- During 1999–2009, an average of 658 people died each year from heat in the United States.
- $30 billion estimated total cost of the 2012 U.S. drought and heatwave.
For more information on ways to beat the heat, visit: cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Office of Public Health Preparedness
