SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (ABC4 Utah) – The Red Cross of Utah is taking the time to educate the public on extreme-heat safety as the state braces for another heat wave. Heat-related deaths continue to increase, and it is important to check on others in your community during this time to ensure everyone stays safe and has the support and resources they need.

Extreme heat can happen anywhere and be deadly for anyone. With experts predicting a hotter-than normal summer across much of the country, it’s critical to be on alert for this invisible danger.

• As part of a years-long trend, extreme heat is happening more often, lasting longer and becoming more intense. In fact, 2024 was the hottest year on record globally.
• Plus, extreme heat is happening in places that don’t usually face such temperatures — and it’s a growing cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S.
• Still, nearly half of adults (43%) don’t believe a heat wave is likely to cause them harm in the next five years. What’s more, three out of four people (75%) aren’t that worried about heat illnesses.

The American Red Cross recommends taking three steps in extreme heat — stay hydrated, stay cool and stay connected.

• Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
• Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library or cooling center.
• Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if you need it. Make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.

Extreme heat can make anyone sick and it’s critical to act fast. The Red Cross recommends learning the warning signs and knowing what to do so you can react quickly.

• Some people are at higher risk of getting sick because their bodies have a harder time staying cool. This includes older adults, children, pregnant women, people who take medication, and people with chronic conditions or disabilities. Athletes, outdoor workers and people without air conditioning are also at higher risk for heat illness.
• Heat cramps are an early sign of trouble and signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain.
  o Take action by stopping what you’re doing, resting in a cool place and drinking a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes.
  o If you feel sick to your stomach, pause drinking. Get medical help if cramps last more than two hours or you have heart problems.
• Heat exhaustion is more serious and signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting.
  o Take action by stopping what you’re doing, resting in a cool place and drinking a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes.
  o Loosen your clothes and place a cool, wet cloth on your body.
  o Get medical help if you’re vomiting, don’t feel better in an hour, or if you have heart or kidney problems.
• Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting.
  o Take action by calling 911.
  o Move to a cool place, remove extra clothing and use a wet cloth or a cool bath to cool down. o If possible, sip a sports drink or water.

To be ready for extreme heat, think about how you’ll stay cool.

• If you have air conditioning, make sure it’s working properly. Consider where you can go to cool off if the power goes out.
• If you don’t have air conditioning and your home becomes too hot, think about where you’ll go, how you’ll get there and what you’ll take with you.
• If you are older, pregnant, take medication or have a chronic condition or disability, your body may have a harder time cooling down during extreme heat. Talk to your doctor about how you can stay healthy.
• Make sure you have supplies to keep medication cool and equipment charged, especially during a power outage.
• If you’re an athlete, think about how you can alter your exercise schedule to avoid the hottest times of the day or work out indoors.
• If you work outdoors, find out if you can alter your schedule to avoid the hottest times of the day. Consider how you’ll stay hydrated and find a cool place to take breaks.
• Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government to stay updated about heat waves and the location of open cooling centers.

Once you’re ready for extreme heat, connect with loved ones and neighbors to see if they need help.

• Help others make a plan in case they need help cooling down, getting to a cooler place or getting medical care.
• In an emergency it’s critical to act fast, so learn the signs of heat illness and what to do.
• Make a list of who you’ll check on during extreme heat.
• Help loved ones and neighbors sign up for free emergency alerts from their local government.
• Make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.