June 2023- Dealing with Extreme Heat

June 2023– Extreme Heat

Make sure your home is prepared for hot weather emergencies.

Week #1—Home Energy Evaluation

If your home is well insulated, it will stay cool much longer. Take the free ThermWise Home Evaluation or have it professionally done for $25.00.

Week #2—Home Energy Efficiency

Based on your home energy evaluation, improve the efficiency of your home as much as your budget allows.

• Increase insulation in walls and attic
• Replace weather strip around doors
• Cover windows with shades or drapes
• Install energy efficient windows
• Install attic vents to dispel heat

Week #3—Car Emergency Kit

Keep some emergency supplies in your car, just in case you get stuck away from home.  

• Keep gas tank half full
• Ball cap or wide brimmed hat, sunscreen
• Flashlight
• Water and food (hot-weather safe, like granola bars, dried fruit, nuts, etc.). Replace every few months.

Week #4—Extreme Heat Survival Guide

Stay Cool Inside:

• Close off unused rooms
• Keep the sun out with shades or drapes

Eat Right and Stay Hydrated:

• Cook outside to keep heat out of the house.
• Have plenty of stored water to maintain hydration

Sleep Cool:

• Sleep in the lowest level of the house with mattress on the floor to be a few degrees cooler
• Sleep on wet sheets or spray water on your bed to cool it off
• Open upper-level windows at night to let heat escape

Venturing Outside:

• Stay indoors or in the shade as much as possible
• Avoid overexertion—drink a cup of water every 15 minutes if you have to work outside

Help Others:

• Check on elderly and disabled neighbors to see how they are doing
• Listen to local radio and TV reports

Watch Out for Heat Exhaustion/Heat Stroke

Signs of heat exhaustion:

• muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea and vomiting

Signs of heat stroke:

• An extremely high body temperature (above 103°F),
• Red, hot, and dry skin
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Nausea, confusion and unconsciousness

If you see these signs, get the person to a cooler location, elevate legs and feet, and loosen tight clothing. Have them rest and slowly drink a cool beverage, and spray or sponge with cool water. Get them medical attention if the person doesn’t improve after taking these measures.

Restock Your 72 Hour Kit!

It’s time to build (or begin) your 72 hr kit!

Week #1—Replace Used Items

Use the 72-hour Kit Checklist to replace the items used or borrowed from your kit during the year….or to create your kit.

Week #2—Replace Expired Items

Check all of your food, medications, and supplies for expiration dates. Replace anything that expires within the next 12 months.

Week #3—Rotate Water

If you store your own water (instead of commercially bottled water), rotate it every 6 months.

Week #4—Wash Change of Clothes

Wash the clothes in your emergency kit and replace them with summer clothes. Make sure they still fit you (and your kids).

Extra Credit—Emergency Preparedness Christmas in July

If there are emergency preparedness items you would like, but can’t afford, start budgeting of a “Christmas in July” and gift yourself and your family with some of these items.

72-hour Kit Checklist

Water:

·       3 gallons of water per person ($4 - $6)

·       5-gallon water jug (with spout; $9 - $13)

Ready-to-eat food:

·       Ice chest (insulated, waterproof)

·       Nuts, trail mix, peanut butter, beef jerky

·       Energy bars, granola bars, fruit bars

·       Canned fruit, raisins, dry fruit, fruit juice

·       Cold cereal, granola cereal

·       Powdered milk, Morning Moo milk

·       Crackers, graham crackers, snacks, candy

·       Pet food, food bowl, water bowl

Hot Water Food:

·       Camp stove, fuel, matches

·       Small pan to heat water

·       Instant oatmeal, dry soup, Ramen noodles

·       Hot chocolate, apple cider

·       Baby formula, baby bottles, baby food

No Dish Cooking:

·       Can opener (manual), pliers, garbage bags

·       Paper plates, paper cups, paper bowls (large)

·       Plastic utensils (sturdy), paper towels

·       Canned meat, fish, soup, stew, chili, vegetables

Natural Gas:

·       Gas turn-off tool or large crescent wrench

·       Hat, gloves, scarf, sweater, long underwear, warm blanket

·       Fireplace insert, wood stove, propane heater (indoor), or small tent (create micro environment)

Electricity:

·       Flashlights

·       Radio (battery powered)

·       Extra batteries

·       $50 - $100 cash (small bills)

·       Keep gas tank half full

·       Car cell phone charger, spare batteries

·       Generator or Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

First Aid Kit:

·       First aid instruction guide

·       Bandages (small, medium, large), gauze pads

·       ACE bandage, self-adherent cohesive wrap

·       Adhesive tape, KT tape

·       Antiseptic wipes, Neosporin

·       Sunscreen, burn cream

·       Bug repellent, sting relief swabs

·       Eye wash, Q-tips

·       Thermometer, cold pack

·       Scissors, tweezers, safety pins

·       N95 medical mask, examination gloves

Medications:

·       Prescription medications (week supply)

·       Vitamins, nutritional supplements

·       Pain reliever, antacids

·       Pepto Bismol, laxative

·       Benadryl

Mental Health:

·       Familiar blanket, stuffed animal

·       Toys, games, puzzles

·       Reading books, scriptures

Shelter:

·       Tent (large), trailer, or camper

·       Sleeping bags (warm)

·       Pillows (small)

·       Air mattress or foam pads

·       Change of clothes

Emergency toilet:

·       5-gallon bucket ($3 - $5)

·       Toilet seat for 5-gallon bucket ($13 - $15)

·       Garbage bags (heavy duty kitchen)

·       Kitty litter, pine bedding, or both (2 large bags, scented)

·       Toilet paper (in plastic)

·       Paper towels (in plastic)

·       Hand wipes or sanitizer

Personal hygiene supplies:

·       Tissues (in plastic)

·       Comb or brush

·       Toothbrush, tooth paste, dental floss

·       Mouthwash, deodorant (travel size)

·       Wash cloth

·       Mirror (small)

·       Feminine hygiene products

·       Cleaning solution for glasses/contacts

·       Diapers, baby wipes, diaper rash cream

·       Litter box, poop bags (for pets)