Summer Weather

Approximately All of June, July & August 

Summer weather can create a higher risk of heat exhaustion, heat stroke, dehydration, sunburn, severe thunderstorms, lightning, flooding, and injuries from strong winds or hail. Extreme heat can be especially dangerous for older adults, children, people who work or exercise outdoors, and pets.

Summer Weather can:

• Bring dangerously high temperatures and humidity.

• Cause heat-related illnesses, dehydration and heat stroke.

• Produce severe thunderstorms with lightning, damaging winds, hail and heavy rainfall.

• Cause flash flooding and dangerous driving conditions.

• Create dangerous conditions for people, children and pets left in vehicles.

How to Protect Yourself From Summer Weather

IF YOU ARE UNDER AN EXTREME HEAT WARNING, TAKE ACTION RIGHT AWAY

Know your summer weather terms:

Excessive Heat Warning

Issued when dangerously hot conditions are occurring or expected. These conditions can cause heat-related illnesses and may become dangerous or life-threatening, especially for people who spend extended periods outdoors.

Heat Advisory

Issued when hot conditions are expected that could cause heat-related illnesses if precautions are not taken.

Severe Thunderstorm Warning

Issued when a severe thunderstorm is occurring or imminent. Severe thunderstorms can produce damaging winds, large hail and dangerous lightning.

Flash Flood Warning

Issued when a flash flood is occurring or imminent. Move to higher ground immediately and never drive through flooded roads.

Know Your Risk for Summer Weather

Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of extreme heat, severe thunderstorms and flooding. Listen for emergency information and alerts. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

Preparing for Summer Weather

Prepare your home to stay cool during periods of extreme heat. Make sure air conditioning systems and fans are working properly. Check that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have battery backups. Gather supplies in case severe weather causes a power outage. Keep bottled water and non-perishable food available. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights.

Plan outdoor activities during the cooler parts of the day whenever possible. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen. Drink plenty of water and take frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned location.

Remember to check on older adults, children, neighbors and pets during periods of extreme heat.

Stay Safe During Summer Weather

Never leave children, elderly individuals or pets unattended in a vehicle. Vehicle temperatures can become dangerously hot within minutes, even when the windows are partially open.

• Drink plenty of water and avoid becoming dehydrated.

• Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.

• Take frequent breaks in a shaded or air-conditioned location when working or exercising outdoors.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and use sunscreen.

• Never ignore symptoms of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

• If you hear thunder, move indoors. Lightning can strike several miles away from a thunderstorm.

• Stay away from windows during severe thunderstorms.

• Avoid flooded roads and never attempt to drive through moving or standing floodwater.

• Bring outdoor furniture, decorations and other loose objects inside or secure them before severe weather.

• Keep pets indoors during severe thunderstorms and extreme heat.

Heat Exhaustion & Heat Stroke

• Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

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• Heat Exhaustion can occur when the body loses too much water and salt through sweating.

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• Signs: Heavy sweating, cold or clammy skin, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps or fainting.

• Actions: Move to a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths or take a cool bath. Sip water if the person is fully conscious. Seek medical help if symptoms worsen, vomiting occurs or symptoms do not improve.

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• Heat Stroke is a medical emergency. It occurs when the body becomes dangerously overheated and can no longer cool itself.

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• Signs: High body temperature, hot skin, headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, loss of consciousness or unusual behavior.

• Actions: Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler location and begin cooling them with cool, wet cloths or a cool bath while waiting for emergency medical assistance. Do not give fluids to an unconscious or confused person.

Severe Thunderstorm & Lightning Safety

Thunderstorms can develop quickly during the summer and may produce lightning, damaging winds, large hail, heavy rain and tornadoes.

WHEN THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS. 

• Move inside a substantial building or enclosed vehicle when you hear thunder.

• Stay indoors until at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.

• Stay away from windows and doors during severe thunderstorms.

• Avoid using corded electrical equipment during thunderstorms.

• Do not shelter under trees or other isolated objects.

• If you are caught outside with no safe shelter, avoid open areas, hilltops and isolated trees.

• Remember that lightning can strike several miles away from the storm.

Flooding Safety

Heavy summer thunderstorms can produce flash flooding with little warning.

TURN AROUND, DON'T DROWN.

• Never walk, swim or drive through floodwater.

• Do not attempt to cross a flooded road.

• Be especially careful at night when floodwater may be difficult to see.

• Move to higher ground if a flash flood warning is issued.

• Follow evacuation instructions from emergency officials.

• Remember that floodwater can hide damaged roads, debris and other hazards.

Outdoor Work Safety

Working outside during extreme heat can increase the risk of heat-related illness.

• Schedule strenuous work for the cooler parts of the day when possible.

• Take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

• Drink water regularly rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

• Watch yourself and coworkers for signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

• Stop work and move to a cool location if you begin experiencing symptoms of heat illness.

• Never ignore confusion, fainting or other signs of possible heat stroke.

Heat stroke is an emergency. Call 911 immediately.

Summer Vehicle Safety

Never leave children, pets or vulnerable individuals unattended in a vehicle.

• Check the back seat before leaving your vehicle.

• Keep vehicles locked when they are unattended so children cannot enter them.

• Never leave a child or pet alone in a parked vehicle, even for a short period.

• Keep water available during long trips.

• Check your vehicle's tires, fluids, battery and air conditioning before traveling.

• During severe thunderstorms, avoid unnecessary travel and never drive through flooded roads.

Winter Weather

Approximately All of January 

Winter storms create a higher risk of car accidents, hypothermia, frostbite, carbon monoxide poisoning, and heart attacks from overexertion. Winter storms including blizzards can bring extreme cold, freezing rain, snow, ice and high winds.

A winter storm can:

• Last a few hours or several days.

• Cut off heat, power and communication services.

• Put older adults, children, sick individuals and pets at greater risk.

How to Protect Yourself from Winter Weather

IF YOU ARE UNDER A WINTER STORM WARNING, FIND SHELTER RIGHT AWAY

Know your winter weather terms:

Winter Storm Warning

Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.

Winter Storm Watch

Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm.

Winter Weather Advisory

Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.

Know Your Risk for Winter Storms

Pay attention to weather reports and warnings of freezing weather and winter storms. Listen for emergency information and alerts. Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.

Preparing for Winter Weather

Prepare your home to keep out the cold with insulation, caulking and weather stripping. Learn how to keep pipes from freezing. Install and test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors with battery backups. Gather supplies in case you need to stay home for several days without power. Keep in mind each person’s specific needs, including medication. Remember the needs of your pets. Have extra batteries for radios and flashlights. If you are unable to afford your heating costs, weatherization or energy-related home repairs, contact the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for help.

In Case of Emergency

Be prepared for winter weather at home, at work and in your car. Create an emergency supply kit for your car. Include jumper cables, sand, a flashlight, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water and non-perishable snacks. Keep a full tank of gas.

Stay Safe During Winter Weather

Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows and never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven. Using an oven or stovetop can also increase the risk of fires, burns and could damage the appliance.

• Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.

• Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.

• Reduce the risk of a heart attack by avoiding overexertion when shoveling snow and walking in the snow.

Learn the signs of, and basic treatments for, frostbite and hypothermia.

Frostbite causes loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes.

• Signs: Numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin.

• Actions: Go to a warm room. Soak in warm water. Use body heat to warm. Do not massage or use a heating pad.

Hypothermia is an unusually low body temperature. A temperature below 95 degrees is an emergency.

• Signs: Shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness.

• Actions: Go to a warm room. Warm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head and groin. Keep dry and wrapped up in warm blankets, including the head and neck.

Generator Safety

Generators can be helpful when the power goes out. It is important to know how use them safely to prevent carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning and other hazards.

• Generators and fuel should always be used outdoors and at least 20 feet away from windows, doors and attached garages.

• Install working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can kill you, your family and pets.

• Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or devices connected to one can cause electrical shock.

• Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.

• Let the generator cool before refueling. Fuel spilled on hot engine parts can ignite.

• Follow manufacturer’s instructions carefully.