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Tips to beat the heat and stay safe during heat waves

Millions of Americans face dangerous heat waves this week. Here are essential tips to stay cool and recognize signs of heat-related illnesses.

Tips to beat the heat and stay safe during heat waves

Millions of Americans face dangerous heat waves this week. Here are essential tips to stay cool and recognize signs of heat-related illnesses.

Beating the summer heat. Let's start by getting your home ready. Install an air conditioner if possible, and keep up with regular maintenance for optimal cooling power. Check your windows for any gaps that could let in hot air and seal those up and cover them with curtains or drapes. For cooking, opt for meals that can be made using tabletop appliances like *** microwave or air fryer. Those won't heat up your whole kitchen the way your oven does. And next, remember these practical tips when temperatures rise, especially above 90 degrees, take it easy and stay out of the sun if possible. Wear loose, lightweight clothing like cotton or land fabrics that are especially breathable. And be sure to stay hydrated and identify cool areas in your community like *** library or mall where you could go. Finally, learn to recognize the signs of heat illness. Heat stroke causes headaches, confusion, and nausea, and heat exhaustion, there is weakness, heavy sweating, and clammy skin. And be sure to look out for yourself and others around you too, including pets and neighbors. Reporting in Washington, I'm Amy Lou.
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Updated: 5:51 PM CDT Jun 24, 2025
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Tips to beat the heat and stay safe during heat waves

Millions of Americans face dangerous heat waves this week. Here are essential tips to stay cool and recognize signs of heat-related illnesses.

vlog logo
Updated: 5:51 PM CDT Jun 24, 2025
Editorial Standards
Dangerous heat waves are affecting millions of Americans this week, making it crucial to stay safe and cool.To protect yourself and your family from extreme temperatures, here are some steps you can take: Prepare your home Install an air conditioner if possible and keep up with regular maintenance for optimal cooling power. Seal any gaps in windows to block hot air and use curtains or drapes to reduce heat indoors.Cook with countertop appliances For cooking, opt for meals that can be made using tabletop appliances like a microwave or air fryer. Those won’t heat up your whole kitchen the way your oven does. Alternatively, make no-cook meals like sandwiches and salads. Limit time outside When temperatures soar above 90 degrees, limit outdoor activities, wear loose, lightweight clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and stay hydrated. Identify cool community spaces, such as libraries or malls, where you can seek relief.Recognize the signs of heat-related illnessesThe CDC says heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through sweating. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include tiredness or weakness, heavy sweating and clammy skin. Heatstroke, the most serious heat-related illness, occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. Symptoms of heatstroke include confusion, headaches, nausea and a body temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

Dangerous heat waves are affecting millions of Americans this week, making it crucial to stay safe and cool.

To protect yourself and your family from extreme temperatures, here are some steps you can take:

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Prepare your home

Install an air conditioner if possible and keep up with regular maintenance for optimal cooling power. Seal any gaps in windows to block hot air and use curtains or drapes to reduce heat indoors.

Cook with countertop appliances

For cooking, opt for meals that can be made using tabletop appliances like a microwave or air fryer. Those won’t heat up your whole kitchen the way your oven does. Alternatively, make no-cook meals like sandwiches and salads.

Limit time outside

When temperatures soar above 90 degrees, limit outdoor activities, wear loose, lightweight clothing made of breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and stay hydrated. Identify cool community spaces, such as libraries or malls, where you can seek relief.

Recognize the signs of heat-related illnesses

The says heat exhaustion is the body's response to an excessive loss of water and salt, usually through sweating. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include tiredness or weakness, heavy sweating and clammy skin. Heatstroke, the most serious heat-related illness, occurs when the body can no longer control its temperature. Symptoms of heatstroke include confusion, headaches, nausea and a body temperature of 103 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.