Heat Safety Guide
A complete reference for recognizing and responding to every heat risk tier, plus general heat illness first aid — independent of where you are or what the forecast says.
Risk Tiers & Advisories
Normal
Apparent temperature below the caution threshold. Standard precautions apply.
Enjoy the outdoors
Conditions are comfortable — a good day for normal outdoor activity.
Hydrate often
Drink water regularly even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and excess caffeine.
Time it right
Schedule outdoor activity for early morning or evening when temperatures are lower.
Caution
Apparent temperature ≥ 32°C. Fatigue is possible with prolonged exposure or activity.
Hydrate often
Drink water regularly even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and excess caffeine.
Time it right
Schedule outdoor activity for early morning or evening when temperatures are lower.
Dress light
Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and sunscreen.
Extreme Caution
Apparent temperature ≥ 38°C. Heat cramps and heat exhaustion become possible.
Hydrate often
Drink water regularly even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and excess caffeine.
Time it right
Schedule outdoor activity for early morning or evening when temperatures are lower.
Watch for symptoms
Know the signs of heat cramps and heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, weakness, dizziness.
Seek shade & AC
Take frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded spaces.
Danger
Apparent temperature ≥ 41°C for 2+ consecutive days. Heat exhaustion is likely, heat stroke possible.
Limit outdoor exposure
Avoid strenuous outdoor activity, especially between 11am and 4pm.
Check on vulnerable people
Elderly neighbors, infants, and outdoor workers are at highest risk — check in regularly.
Recognize heat exhaustion
Cool, pale, clammy skin, nausea, or a fast pulse means stop activity and cool down immediately.
Hydrate often
Drink water regularly even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and excess caffeine.
Time it right
Schedule outdoor activity for early morning or evening when temperatures are lower.
Extreme Danger
Apparent temperature ≥ 54°C. Heat stroke is highly likely with continued exposure.
Stay indoors
Avoid all outdoor activity. Stay in air-conditioned locations if at all possible.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency
Confusion, hot/dry skin, or loss of consciousness requires immediate emergency medical care.
Never leave anyone in a parked vehicle
Cabin temperatures can become lethal within minutes.
Hydrate often
Drink water regularly even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid alcohol and excess caffeine.
Time it right
Schedule outdoor activity for early morning or evening when temperatures are lower.
Recognizing Heat Illness
Heat Cramps
Symptoms
Painful muscle spasms, usually in the legs or abdomen, during or after heavy exertion or sweating.
Response
Stop activity, move to a cool place, hydrate with water or an electrolyte drink, gently stretch the affected muscle.
Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms
Heavy sweating, cold/pale/clammy skin, fast weak pulse, nausea, headache, dizziness, or fainting.
Response
Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, apply cool wet cloths, sip water. Seek medical care if symptoms worsen or last over an hour.
Heat Stroke
Symptoms
Body temperature above 40°C, hot/red/dry or damp skin, fast strong pulse, confusion, slurred speech, or loss of consciousness.
Response
This is a medical emergency. Call emergency services immediately. Move to a cool place and lower body temperature with cool cloths or a bath while waiting for help — do not give fluids to an unconscious person.
Suspected heat stroke is a medical emergency. Call your local emergency number immediately — this guide is informational and does not replace professional medical care.