How to Be Safe in a Heat Wave

1. Strenuous activities should be reduced, eliminated, or rescheduled to the coolest time of the day.
2. Dress in lightweight light-colored clothing that reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures.
3. Eat small, frequent meals. Avoid high-protein foods. Put that Atkins diet on hold until the temperature drops.
4. Drink plenty of water or other non-alcohol fluids. Your body needs water to keep cool. Drink plenty of fluids even if you don’t feel thirsty. Consult a doctor if your fluid consumption is limited due to a pre-existing condition like kidney or liver disease.
5. Do not take salt tablets unless specified by a physician.
6. Spend more time in air-conditioned places. Air conditioning in homes and other buildings markedly reduces danger from the heat. If you cannot afford an air conditioner, spending some time each day (during hot weather) in an air conditioned environment, like a library, affords some protection.
7. Don’t get too much sun. Sunburn makes the job of heat dissipation that much more difficult.
8. When you're out in the sun, be sure to wear sunscreen of at least SPF 15 and a hat to protect your face and head.
9. Head to a local swimming pool or beach to cool off.
10. Cool down with cool baths or showers. However, never take a shower immediately after becoming overheated. You may cool down too quickly and become nauseated or dizzy.
11. Never leave children or pets in a parked car during a heat wave.

Sources:

FEMA
Disaster Center
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration