A preparedness expert offers tips to help you stay safe as climate change increases the frequency and severity of extreme heat and hurricanes.
Nathaniel Matthews-Trigg, M.P.H., CEM
Associate Director of Climate and Disaster Resilience, Americares
Experts predict this summer could be one of the hottest on record, putting the health of older adults, young children, pregnant individuals, and those with certain chronic health conditions at risk. Increased heat and drought due to climate change can fuel wildfires that produce toxic smoke which can exacerbate respiratory illnesses. At the same time, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is forecasting one of the most active Atlantic hurricane seasons in years with up to 25 named storms, including four to seven major hurricanes.
To ensure you’re prepared for any potential extreme weather or natural disasters in your area, start by making an emergency kit. Having a kit with enough food and water for your family and pets for at least three days, along with copies of important documents, is key. If possible, keep copies of important documents on a cloud-based platform. If you or your loved ones take medications, always keep at least a seven-day supply on hand since pharmacies and doctor’s offices may be closed after an emergency.
Plan for communications challenges. Identify a primary and secondary meet-up spot in case you get separated from your family. Phone calls may not work; text messages will be more likely to go through. If you have Wi-Fi, consider posting on social media to let others know you’re safe, and have an out-of-state contact that you and your loved ones can text to facilitate the flow of information.
Extreme heat
If you don’t have access to air conditioning, or can’t afford to keep it running, make a plan for where you can cool off. Many cities and towns open cooling centers during heat emergencies or keep libraries and other public buildings with air conditioning open. Public pools, malls, movie theaters, and museums also offer an escape from sweltering temperatures.
If you cannot leave your home, a cold shower or misting your skin while sitting in front of a fan can lower your body temperature and your risk of heat-related illness. If you feel unwell, ask for help.
Stay well-hydrated and know the signs of heat illness. Heat stroke is an emergency. Confusion, slurred speech, loss of consciousness, or convulsions are common signs. If it’s hot and you see any of these symptoms, immediately call 911 and try to rapidly cool the person while waiting for help to arrive. If you notice other heat-related symptoms, get the person to a cooler location and ensure they are drinking cool fluids.
Wildfires
When a wildfire is approaching, every minute counts. Sign up for local alerts through your local emergency management office and be ready to leave your home quickly. If you can, leave before evacuation orders.
If you live in a fire-prone area, consider keeping a go-bag in your vehicle to reduce the time it takes to leave. Ensure it includes a first aid kit, sturdy shoes, work gloves, and well-fitting N95 masks along with important documents.
Hurricanes
When a storm is headed your way, closely monitor weather reports. If your area is historically evacuated during storms, consider leaving before an evacuation order. Having an emergency kit is useful both when evacuating and in times when you cannot leave your home for a few days.
Injuries often occur when cleaning up after a hurricane due to debris, floodwaters, and damaged infrastructure. Take extra precautions.
The steps you take now can help protect you and your loved ones from extreme weather disruptions. Americares has 5 Steps to Ready checklists you can download here to help you prepare. Learn more at americares.org/climate.
