Before

                           Contact your local emergency management office or American
                           Red Cross chapter for information on extreme heat.
                           Install window air conditioners snugly.
                           Close any floor heat registers nearby.
                           Insulate spaces around air conditioners for a tighter fit.
                           Use a circulating or box fan to spread the cool air.

                      Keep heat outside and cool air inside.

                           Install temporary reflectors, such as aluminum foil covered
                           cardboard, to reflect any heat back outside. Keep the cool air inside
                           by weather-stripping doors and windowsills.
                           Consider keeping storm windows up all year. Storm windows can
                           keep the heat of a house in the summer the same way they keep
                           the cold out in the winter.
                           Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.

                      During

                           Protect windows. Hang shades, draperies, awnings, or louvers on
                           windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Outdoor awnings
                           or louvers can reduce the heat entering the house by as much as 80
                           percent. Conserve electricity.
                           During periods of extreme heat, people tend to use a lot more
                           power for air conditioning which can lead to a power shortage or
                           outage.Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not
                           available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember
                           that electric fans do not cool, they just blow hot air around.
                           Eat well-balanced, light meals.
                           Drink plenty of water regularly. Persons who have epilepsy or
                           heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restrictive diets; or have
                           a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before
                           increasing liquid intake.
                           Limit intake of alcoholic beverages. Although beer and alcohol
                           beverages appear to satisfy thirst, they actually cause further body
                           dehydration.
                           Dress in loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
                           Lightweight, light-colored clothing that reflects heat and sunlight
                           and helps maintain normal body temperature.
                           Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.
                           Allow your body to get acclimated to hot temperatures for the first
                           2 or 3 days of a heat wave.
                           Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool
                           itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection
                           factor) rating.
                           Avoid extreme temperature changes. A cool shower immediately
                           after coming in from hot temperatures can result in hypothermia,
                           particularly for elderly and very young people.
                           Slow down. Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities.
                           High-risk individuals should stay in cool places. Get plenty of rest to
                           allow your natural "cooling system" to work.
                           Take salt tablets only if specified by your physician. Persons on
                           salt-restrictive diets should check with a physician before
                           increasing salt intake.
                           Vacuum air conditioner filters weekly during periods of high use.
                           Learn the symptoms of heat disorders and know how to give first
                           aid.

                      During a Drought

                           Lower water use. Watering the lawn and washing the car waste
                           water. Whenever possible, re-use water.
                           Place a brick or other large, solid object in the flush tank of the
                           toilet to reduce the water used to flush.
                           Farmers should contact the county Farm Service Agency for
                           disaster assistance information.

                      Heat Disorders

                      Sunburn
                           Symptoms: Skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever,
                           headaches.
                           First Aid: Take a shower, using soap, to remove oils that may block
                           pores preventing the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur,
                           apply dry, sterile dressings and get medical attention.
                      Heat Cramps
                           Symptoms: Painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles.
                           Heavy sweating.
                           First Aid: Firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to
                           relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue.
                      Heat Exhaustion
                           Symptoms: Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy.
                           Weak pulse. Normal temperature possible. Fainting, vomiting.
                           First Aid: Get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing.
                           Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place.
                           Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting
                           occurs, seek immediate medical attention.
                      Heat Stroke (Sun Stroke)
                           Symptoms: High body temperature (106+). Hot, dry skin. Rapid,
                           strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Victim will likely not
                           sweat.
                           First Aid: Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or
                           emergency medical services or get the victim to a hospital
                           immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler
                           environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body
                           temperature. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing. Use fans
                           and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS.