Extreme heat safety tips

{{whyLabel}}: Windows are the primary source of heat gain in most homes during summer.

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• Measure all south and west-facing windows.
• Apply generic 'High-Heat Rejection' static-cling film to the interior glass.
• Ensure the film has a Total Solar Energy Rejection (TSER) of at least 60%.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All sun-exposed windows are covered with reflective film.

{{whyLabel}}: A poorly maintained AC unit consumes more energy and is prone to failure during peak heat.

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• Schedule a professional technician to check refrigerant levels and electrical components.
• Clean or replace all air filters (use MERV 8 or higher for better air quality).
• Clear debris and vegetation from around the exterior condenser unit.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: The AC system is certified functional and filters are clean.

{{whyLabel}}: Air leaks allow cool air to escape and hot, humid air to enter your home.

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• Use a lit incense stick or a damp hand to find drafts around frames.
• Apply generic silicone caulk to fixed gaps.
• Install adhesive weatherstripping to moving parts of doors and windows.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: No noticeable air drafts are felt around window and door perimeters.

{{whyLabel}}: If the power fails or the AC breaks, you need one room that stays the coolest for the family to gather.

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• Choose a room on the lowest floor with the fewest windows.
• Equip it with a portable power station and battery-operated fans.
• Store heavy blackout curtains here to be deployed immediately during heat spikes.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A specific room is identified and stocked with cooling essentials.

{{whyLabel}}: Consistent hydration is the most effective internal defense against heat exhaustion.

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• Set a phone alarm for every 2 hours to drink 250ml of water.
• Monitor urine color; it should be pale yellow (like lemonade), not dark.
• Avoid excessive caffeine and alcohol, which act as diuretics.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Hydration schedule followed consistently for 21 days.

{{whyLabel}}: Utilizing cooler night air reduces the thermal load on your home's structure.

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• Open windows only when the outside temperature is lower than the inside (usually after 9 PM).
• Use box fans in windows to pull cool air in and push warm air out.
• Close all windows and shades strictly by 7 AM to trap the cool air.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: This routine is performed daily during heat advisories.

{{whyLabel}}: Ovens and stoves generate significant internal heat that lingers for hours.

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• Prepare hot meals early in the morning or late in the evening.
• Use small appliances like slow cookers or air fryers instead of the main oven.
• Focus on 'no-cook' meals like salads and cold wraps during peak heat hours (11 AM - 6 PM).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Oven use is eliminated during the hottest parts of the day.

{{whyLabel}}: Many common medications (e.g., for blood pressure or allergies) can impair the body's ability to regulate temperature.

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• Compile a list of all family prescriptions and over-the-counter meds.
• Ask a pharmacist: 'Do any of these increase sensitivity to heat or dehydration?'
• Discuss storage; many medications lose potency if stored above 25°C (77°F).

{{doneWhenLabel}}: A list of heat-sensitive medications is noted and storage is optimized.

{{whyLabel}}: Distinguishing between these two can be the difference between home care and a life-threatening emergency.

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• Heat Exhaustion: Heavy sweating, cold/clammy skin, fast/weak pulse, nausea. Action: Move to cool place, sip water, cool cloths.
• Heat Stroke: High body temp (40°C/104°F+), hot/red skin (dry or moist), fast/strong pulse, confusion/fainting. Action: Call emergency services immediately.
• Print a symptom chart and post it on the refrigerator.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All adult family members can list the 3 key differences.

{{whyLabel}}: Immediate cooling is required if someone shows signs of overheating.

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• Store 4-6 chemical cold packs or frozen water bottles in the freezer.
• Keep a stack of clean towels and a spray bottle for misting.
• Include electrolyte powder packets to aid rapid rehydration.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: All items are grouped together and accessible in under 60 seconds.

{{whyLabel}}: Early warning allows you to implement pre-cooling and hydration strategies before the peak heat arrives.

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• Download a reputable weather app (e.g., a national meteorological service app).
• Enable push notifications specifically for 'Heat Advisories' and 'Excessive Heat Warnings'.
• Check the 'Wet Bulb Globe Temperature' (WBGT) if available, as it better reflects heat stress on the body.

{{doneWhenLabel}}: Notifications are active and tested on at least two family devices.