How to Keep You and Your Loved Ones Safe in Extreme Heat

The daily visit from a Meals on Wheels volunteer is just as important as the meal they deliver. That friendly check-in takes on extra significance during periods of extreme heat.

Heat-related illness can affect anyone, but older adults face a higher risk because the body becomes less efficient at regulating temperature as we age. Chronic health conditions and certain medications can also interfere with the body’s natural cooling responses.

Tips for Staying Cool

Ku Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Minnesota Department of Health offer these tips for staying safe during extreme heat:

Keep hydrated. Drink more water than usual and add electrolyte drinks when needed. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine.
Keep shades closed to prevent the sun from heating your home and remain in air-conditioned areas if possible. If your home is dangerously warm, consider going to a library or other public building that is air conditioned. Find additional cooling centers in Hennepin iyo Ramsey counties. Find a list of ride programs here if you need help with transportation.
Fans can be used to blow in cool air or blow out hot air, but don’t rely solely on a fan to stay cool when indoor temperatures rise to dangerous levels (90 degrees and above).
Wear light, loose-fitting clothing, and take showers and baths with cool water.
Don’t use your stove, oven or other appliances that produce extra heat.
If you experience the signs of heat stroke, including headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness or confusion, call 911 immediately.

Tips for Caregivers and Those Checking in on Neighbors

You can help by checking in with older adults who live alone before and during heat waves. When visiting a loved one, take a minute to survey their home. If they have air conditioning, check to make sure it’s in working order and ready for use.

The CDC recommends checking in twice a day during extreme heat. Consider the following questions:

Are they drinking enough water?
Do they have access to air conditioning?
Do they know how to keep cool?
Are they showing signs of heat stroke?

For those who take regular medications to manage health conditions, the CDC recommends making a plan to ensure that they are stored to temperature requirements. Even though some medications may elevate risk for heat-related illness, they should still be taken as directed. Consider talking through medication plans with your loved one.

Thank You, Volunteers and Caregivers!

Cuntada Lugaha iskaa wax u qabso play an important role every day, and we are especially grateful for their commitment to check in with vulnerable older adults during extreme weather. Hats off to them and to all of you who are checking in on older adults during periods of extreme heat!