Take care of yourself and others during hot weather

Drink water, stay in the shade, seek out cool spaces and never leave people or pets in a hot car. Find other ways to stay cool and healthy here.

Take care of yourself

  • Drink plenty of fluids
  • Have a sports drink or salty snack to replace salt and minerals lost through sweat.
  • Avoid alcohol and sugary drinks.
  • Take a cool shower or bath.
  • Use air conditioning or a fan.
  • Don’t use a fan to blow extremely hot air on yourself. Use it instead to create cross-ventilation.
  • Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothes.
  • Avoid using your stove or oven.

Take care of those around you

  • Check in on elders and vulnerable neighbors during warm weather — twice a day is best.
  • Never leave a person or a pet in a hot car.
  • Check regularly on babies and toddlers, seniors, people taking mental health medications and people with heart disease or high blood pressure for symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion.
  • Share a fan.
  • Invite a friend to a splash pad, movie, mall or museum.

If you must be out in the heat

  • Limit your outdoor activity to the coolest hours of day.
  • Rest often in shady or cool areas.
  • Wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Use sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Choose a product labeled “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection”.
  • Pack extra water. If you don’t drink it, you might come across someone who looks like they could use it.
Last reviewed July 18, 2023