How to Prepare for Heatwaves: Your Complete Survival Guide

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common and intense across the United States. According to the EPA, heatwaves are occurring more frequently than they did in the 1960s, and their season has grown longer. In fact, the average heat wave season across 50 major U.S. cities is now 47 days longer than it was in the 1960s. With temperatures reaching dangerous levels, knowing how to prepare for heatwaves isn’t just about comfort—it’s about survival.

At Batten Home Security, we’ve seen firsthand how unprepared many families are when extreme heat strikes. The consequences can be severe: heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heat stroke can develop quickly, especially in vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with chronic health conditions. That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you protect yourself, your loved ones, and your home before, during, and after a heatwave.

Understanding Heatwave Dangers: More Than Just “Hot Weather”

Heatwaves are extended periods of abnormally high temperatures, often accompanied by high humidity. The National Weather Service defines a heatwave as a period of unusually hot weather lasting more than two days. What makes heatwaves particularly dangerous is their cumulative effect—as days of extreme heat stack up, the body has less opportunity to recover overnight, increasing health risks dramatically.

The combination of high heat and humidity is especially dangerous because it reduces the body’s ability to cool itself through sweating. When the heat index (a measure that combines temperature and humidity) exceeds 105°F, the risk of heat-related illness increases significantly. During the 2021 Pacific Northwest heatwave, temperatures reached 116°F in Portland, Oregon, resulting in hundreds of heat-related deaths across the region—a stark reminder that heatwaves can be deadly natural disasters.

Before the Heat Hits: Proactive Preparation Steps

The most effective heatwave preparation happens well before temperatures begin to climb. Based on our experience working with homeowners in regions prone to extreme heat, we’ve found that early preparation makes a critical difference in how families weather these dangerous events. The National Weather Service recommends preparing for heatwaves at least a month before the typical hot season in your area, but these preparations are valuable year-round in many regions.

Home Preparation Essentials

Your home should serve as a cool sanctuary during a heatwave. Making these improvements before extreme heat arrives can significantly reduce indoor temperatures and lower cooling costs:

Insulation improvements: Proper insulation keeps cool air in and hot air out. Focus on attic insulation, as heat rises and poorly insulated attics can reach temperatures of 150°F during heatwaves.
Window treatments: Install blackout curtains, reflective window film, or exterior awnings to block heat-generating sunlight. These can reduce heat gain by up to 77%, according to the Department of Energy.
HVAC maintenance: Schedule professional maintenance for air conditioning systems before summer. Replace filters monthly during heavy use periods.
Weatherstripping: Seal gaps around doors and windows to prevent cool air from escaping.
Roof considerations: If replacing your roof, consider “cool roof” materials that reflect sunlight and absorb less heat.
Ceiling fans: Install energy-efficient ceiling fans to improve air circulation (remember to set them counterclockwise in summer).

Many homeowners we work with are surprised to learn that these home improvements not only provide protection during heatwaves but can also reduce energy bills year-round. For example, proper attic insulation can save up to 15% on heating and cooling costs.

Creating Your Heatwave Emergency Kit

Just as you’d prepare for other natural disasters, having supplies ready for a heatwave is essential. During severe heatwaves, power outages are common as electrical grids become overloaded, and you may need to shelter in place for several days. Based on recommendations from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and our own emergency preparedness experts, here’s what should be in your heatwave emergency kit:

Water supply: Store at least one gallon of water per person per day for at least three days. Consider more if you live in a particularly hot region.
Non-perishable food: Stock enough food that doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking for at least three days.
Battery-powered fans: Small, portable battery-operated fans can provide critical cooling if power fails.
Cooling towels: Special towels that provide cooling when wet are invaluable during extreme heat.
Ice packs: Keep several in your freezer for emergency cooling.
First aid kit: Include supplies specifically for treating heat-related illnesses.
Electrolyte replacement drinks: Sports drinks or electrolyte powders help replace minerals lost through sweating.
Battery-powered radio: For receiving emergency alerts and updates.
Extra batteries: For all battery-powered devices.
Power banks: Fully-charged power banks for mobile phones.
Flashlights: For navigating during potential power outages.

We typically recommend storing these supplies in an easily accessible location that will remain relatively cool during a heatwave, such as a basement or interior closet. Review and refresh your emergency supplies every six months to ensure nothing has expired.

Developing a Heatwave Action Plan

Having a clear plan for what to do when extreme heat arrives can save lives. The CDC reports that heat-related deaths are preventable, yet hundreds of Americans die from extreme heat each year. A comprehensive heatwave action plan should include specific steps for different scenarios and account for all household members, including pets.

Your heatwave action plan should include:

Communication strategy: How family members will contact each other if separated during a heatwave emergency.
Evacuation options: Identify cooling centers in your community and plan how you’ll get there if needed.
Check-in system: Establish a schedule to check on vulnerable family members, friends, and neighbors.
Pet care plan: Include specific steps to keep pets cool and hydrated.
Power outage protocol: What to do if electricity fails during extreme heat.
Medical considerations: List of medications that need refrigeration and alternative cooling methods.

From our experience helping families prepare for emergencies, we’ve found that practicing your heatwave action plan at least once before summer begins helps ensure everyone knows what to do when temperatures soar.

Recognizing Warning Signs: Heat Alerts and Weather Monitoring

Understanding heat-related weather alerts is crucial for timely preparation. The National Weather Service issues several types of heat alerts that signal different levels of danger. Being able to interpret these warnings correctly gives you valuable time to implement your heatwave action plan.

Types of Heat Alerts

The National Weather Service uses a tiered system of alerts to warn the public about dangerous heat conditions:

Excessive Heat Outlook: Potential for excessive heat in the next 3-7 days. This early warning is your signal to begin preparations.
Heat Advisory: Issued when the heat index is expected to reach 100°F-104°F (depending on your region) for at least 2 days. Take precautions to stay cool.
Excessive Heat Watch: Issued when dangerous heat conditions (heat index of 105°F or higher) are possible within the next 24 to 72 hours. Finalize your preparation steps.
Excessive Heat Warning: Issued when dangerous heat conditions are expected within 24 hours. The heat index is forecast to reach 105°F or higher for at least 2 days. Implement your full heatwave action plan immediately.

Many of the homeowners we assist are surprised to learn that these alerts are regionally calibrated—what triggers a Heat Advisory in Maine might be different from what triggers one in Arizona, as local populations have different levels of heat acclimatization.

Setting Up Heat Alert Systems

Receiving timely alerts about approaching heatwaves gives you crucial preparation time. We recommend setting up multiple notification systems to ensure you don’t miss important warnings:

Weather apps: Download the FEMA app or Weather Channel app for push notifications about heat alerts.
Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEA): Ensure these are enabled on your mobile phone.
NOAA Weather Radio: A battery-powered weather radio provides alerts even during power outages.
Local emergency alert systems: Many counties and cities have text or email alert systems you can sign up for.
Smart home integration: Some smart home systems can be configured to alert you about severe weather conditions.

We’ve found that having redundant alert systems is particularly important for heatwaves, as they often develop more gradually than other natural disasters, making it easier to miss warnings.

During a Heatwave: Survival Strategies

When a heatwave strikes, implementing effective cooling strategies becomes critical. According to the CDC, more than 700 people die from extreme heat in the United States each year, with many more hospitalized for heat-related illnesses. The most dangerous aspect of heatwaves is their cumulative effect—as days of extreme heat continue, the body has less opportunity to recover overnight, increasing health risks dramatically.

Keeping Your Home Cool

Maintaining a cool home environment during a heatwave is your first line of defense against heat-related illness. Even without air conditioning, several techniques can significantly reduce indoor temperatures:

Strategic window management: Close windows, blinds, and curtains during the day on sun-facing sides of your home. Open windows at night if temperatures drop and it’s safe to do so.
Create cross-ventilation: When temperatures drop below those inside your home, place fans in windows on opposite sides of your home—one blowing in, one blowing out—to create air movement.
Minimize heat-generating activities: Avoid using the oven, dryer, and dishwasher during the hottest parts of the day.
DIY cooling: Place bowls of ice in front of fans to create a cooling breeze.
Use the basement: If you have one, basements are naturally cooler and can be a refuge during extreme heat.
Dampen sheets: Hanging damp (not dripping) sheets in doorways can cool air as it passes through.

For homes with air conditioning, we recommend setting the temperature no lower than 78°F during heatwaves to prevent system overload while still maintaining a safe environment. If you’re concerned about energy costs, consider cooling just one room as a “heat refuge” where family members can rotate to cool down.

Personal Cooling Techniques

When environmental cooling isn’t sufficient, personal cooling methods become essential. The body’s natural cooling mechanisms—primarily sweating—can be supported and enhanced with these evidence-based techniques:

Stay hydrated: Drink water regularly, even before feeling thirsty. Aim for 2-4 cups (16-32 ounces) of water per hour during extreme heat.
Cool showers: Take cool (not cold) showers or baths to lower body temperature.
Pulse point cooling: Apply cold compresses to pulse points (wrists, neck, elbows, groin, ankles, and behind the knees).
Appropriate clothing: Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing made of breathable fabrics.
Cooling towels: Use specialized cooling towels that stay cool for hours when dampened.
Avoid alcohol and caffeine: These can contribute to dehydration.
Eat cooling foods: Consume water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and leafy greens.

Many of the families we’ve worked with in high-heat regions have found that creating a regular cooling schedule—such as taking cooling breaks every hour—helps prevent heat illness more effectively than waiting until someone feels overheated.

Recognizing and Responding to Heat-Related Illness

Heat-related illnesses develop on a spectrum, from mild heat cramps to life-threatening heat stroke. According to emergency medicine specialists, the window for effective intervention narrows as symptoms progress, making early recognition crucial. Understanding the signs of heat-related illness can save lives during a heatwave.

Know the warning signs and appropriate responses:

Heat cramps:
- Symptoms: Painful muscle cramps and spasms, usually in the legs and abdomen; heavy sweating.
- Response: Move to a cool place, stop activity, gently stretch affected muscles, sip water. If cramps last longer than an hour, seek medical attention.
Heat exhaustion:
- Symptoms: Heavy sweating; cold, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea or vomiting; muscle cramps; tiredness or weakness; dizziness; headache; fainting.
- Response: Move to a cool place, loosen clothes, apply cool, wet cloths to the body or take a cool bath, sip water. Seek immediate medical attention if vomiting occurs, symptoms worsen, or symptoms last longer than one hour.
Heat stroke (medical emergency):
- Symptoms: High body temperature (103°F or higher); hot, red, dry, or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; losing consciousness.
- Response: Call 911 immediately. Move the person to a cooler place, help lower their temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath. Do NOT give the person anything to drink.

Based on our experience assisting families during emergencies, we recommend printing out a heat illness symptoms chart and keeping it with your emergency supplies for quick reference during a heatwave.

Special Considerations for Vulnerable Groups

Certain populations face significantly higher risks during heatwaves. According to the CDC, adults aged 65 and older, children under 4, people with chronic medical conditions, and outdoor workers are particularly vulnerable to heat-related illness and death. Understanding the specific needs of vulnerable groups in your household or community is essential for comprehensive heatwave preparation.

Protecting the Elderly

Older adults are especially vulnerable during heatwaves for several reasons: their bodies don’t adjust as well to sudden temperature changes, they’re more likely to have chronic medical conditions that affect normal body responses to heat, and they’re more likely to take medications that impair the body’s ability to regulate temperature or perspiration. Special considerations for seniors include:

Check-in system: Establish a buddy system to check on elderly neighbors and relatives at least twice daily during heatwaves.
Air conditioning: Ensure elderly individuals have access to air conditioning. If not at home, arrange transportation to cooling centers.
Medication review: Consult healthcare providers about medications that may increase vulnerability to heat.
Hydration reminders: Many seniors have a diminished sense of thirst. Set up regular hydration reminders.
Mobility considerations: Prepare easy-to-access cooling options for those with limited mobility.

For elderly individuals who live alone, we recommend setting up a daily check-in schedule with neighbors or family members during heatwaves. Consider installing a smart home temperature monitoring system that can alert family members if indoor temperatures reach dangerous levels.

Keeping Children Safe

Children’s bodies warm up 3-5 times faster than adults, making them particularly susceptible to heat illness. Additionally, they may not recognize warning signs or communicate discomfort effectively. Special considerations for children include:

Hydration schedule: Children often don’t recognize thirst cues. Offer water every 15-20 minutes during outdoor activities.
Activity modification: Reschedule outdoor activities for cooler morning or evening hours.
Car safety: Never leave children in parked cars, even with windows cracked. Car interiors can reach deadly temperatures within minutes.
Cooling breaks: Enforce regular cooling breaks during play, even if children don’t feel hot.
Appropriate clothing: Dress children in lightweight, light-colored clothing and use hats with brims for sun protection.

Parents should be particularly vigilant about monitoring children for signs of heat illness, as kids may not recognize or report their symptoms. Many families we work with create a “heat safety plan” with their children before summer begins, teaching them about hydration and cooling strategies in age-appropriate ways.

Pet Safety During Heatwaves

Pets are often overlooked in emergency planning, yet they’re extremely vulnerable to heat stress. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, hundreds of pets die from heat-related causes each year, often because they’re left in parked vehicles or without adequate shelter and water. Special considerations for pets include:

Never leave pets in vehicles: Interior temperatures can rise from 85°F to 120°F within 30 minutes, even with windows cracked.
Provide ample water: Use multiple water bowls in different locations and add ice cubes to keep water cool longer.
Create cooling stations: Wet towels on cool floors give pets places to lie down and cool off.
Adjust walking schedules: Walk dogs early morning or late evening when pavement is cooler. (If you can’t hold your hand on the pavement for 5 seconds, it’s too hot for paws.)
Recognize heat stress signs: Excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, or collapse require immediate veterinary attention.
Cooling methods: If your pet shows signs of overheating, wet their paws and ears with cool (not cold) water and contact your veterinarian.

For pet owners in regions prone to extreme heat, we recommend creating a pet-specific section in your emergency kit with items like portable water bowls, cooling mats, and pet-safe ice packs. Having a designated “pet cooling zone” in your home during heatwaves can help protect your animal companions.

Power Outage Preparation for Heatwaves

Power outages frequently accompany severe heatwaves as electrical grids become strained from increased air conditioner use. According to the Department of Energy, major power outages from extreme weather have doubled since the early 2000s. A power outage during extreme heat creates a dangerous situation where indoor temperatures can quickly rise to life-threatening levels, especially in well-insulated homes without natural ventilation.

Backup Power Options

Having alternative power sources during a heatwave can be lifesaving, especially for those who rely on electricity for medical devices or cooling. Consider these backup power options:

Portable generators: Can power essential appliances like fans or small air conditioning units. Always operate generators outdoors, at least 20 feet from any window, door, or vent.
Power stations: Battery-based power stations can run small fans and charge devices. Look for models with at least 500Wh capacity for meaningful runtime.
Solar chargers: Portable solar panels can recharge power stations or directly power small devices.
Car power inverters: Can convert your vehicle’s 12V power to run small appliances (use with caution to avoid draining your car battery).
Battery backup systems: Whole-house battery systems like the Jackery Explorer 5000 Plus can power critical circuits during outages.

Based on our work with homeowners in regions prone to both extreme heat and power outages, we typically recommend having enough backup power to run at least one fan per person and to keep mobile phones charged for emergency communications.

No-Power Cooling Strategies

When electricity isn’t available, alternative cooling methods become essential. These techniques have been used effectively in hot climates around the world for centuries:

Battery-operated fans: Stock up on battery-powered personal fans for each family member.
Hand fans: Traditional hand fans require no power and can provide personal cooling.
Cooling towels: Special towels that stay cool when wet can provide hours of relief.
DIY swamp coolers: Place a shallow pan of ice in front of a battery-powered fan.
Window management: Open windows on opposite sides of your home during cooler nighttime hours to create cross-ventilation.
Sleep low: Heat rises, so sleep on the lowest level of your home.
Dampen sheets: Slightly dampened sheets (not soaking wet) can provide cooling through evaporation.

Many families we work with are surprised to learn how effective these low-tech cooling methods can be when used consistently during a power outage. We recommend practicing these techniques before an emergency so you’re comfortable implementing them when needed.

Community Resources and Evacuation Planning

When home cooling strategies aren’t sufficient, knowing your community resources becomes essential. According to the CDC, utilizing public cooling centers during extreme heat events can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness and death. Many communities have established networks of cooling centers in public buildings like libraries, community centers, and shopping malls where air conditioning is available during heatwaves.

Finding and Using Cooling Centers

Cooling centers are air-conditioned public facilities that are opened specifically to provide relief during extreme heat events. They’re particularly important for vulnerable populations and those without access to air conditioning at home. Here’s how to incorporate cooling centers into your heatwave plan:

Locate centers in advance: Before summer begins, identify cooling centers near your home and workplace. Many cities list cooling center locations on their emergency management websites.
Transportation planning: Determine how you’ll get to cooling centers if needed, including public transportation options and backup routes.
What to bring: Prepare a small bag with essentials like water bottles, medications, phone chargers, and quiet activities.
Pet considerations: Identify which cooling centers allow pets, as many don’t permit animals except service animals.
Special needs: If you or family members have special needs, contact your local emergency management office before heatwave season to discuss accommodations at cooling centers.

For families with limited transportation options, we recommend researching whether your community offers heat emergency transportation services. Many cities provide free transportation to cooling centers during extreme heat events for those without other options.

Neighborhood Heat Safety Networks

Creating connections with neighbors before a heatwave can establish life-saving support systems during extreme heat. Community-based approaches to heat safety have proven effective in reducing heat-related deaths, especially among vulnerable populations:

Establish a check-in system: Create a buddy system where neighbors check on each other daily during heatwaves, particularly focusing on elderly or isolated residents.
Share resources: Coordinate with neighbors who have generators or well-cooled homes to create community cooling spaces.
Create a neighborhood communication plan: Establish a phone tree, text group, or other communication system to share heat alerts and check on each other.
Identify vulnerable neighbors: Work with community organizations to identify residents who might need extra assistance during heatwaves.
Organize transportation sharing: Coordinate rides to cooling centers for those without transportation.

We’ve seen remarkable examples of neighborhood heat networks making critical differences during extreme heat events. In one community we worked with, neighbors established a rotation system where homes with working air conditioning served as daytime cooling centers for elderly residents during a prolonged heatwave, potentially saving lives.

After the Heatwave: Recovery and Future Preparation

Once a heatwave subsides, taking time to evaluate your preparation and response can strengthen your resilience for future heat events. According to climate scientists, heatwaves are expected to become more frequent, more intense, and longer-lasting in many regions due to climate change. Using the experience of each heatwave to improve your preparation for the next one is an essential adaptation strategy.

Evaluating Your Heatwave Response

After the temperature returns to normal, conduct a thorough assessment of how your heatwave plan performed. This evaluation helps identify gaps in your preparation and opportunities for improvement:

Supply assessment: Note which emergency supplies you used and what you wished you had available.
Home cooling effectiveness: Evaluate which rooms stayed coolest and which became dangerously hot.
Health impacts: Document any heat-related symptoms experienced by household members.
Power reliability: Record any power disruptions and how your backup systems performed.
Communication effectiveness: Assess whether your family’s communication plan worked as intended.
Community resource utilization: Evaluate the accessibility and effectiveness of cooling centers or other community resources you used.

Many families we work with find it helpful to keep a “heat emergency journal” where they document what worked and what didn’t during each heatwave. This creates a valuable resource for improving preparation for future events.

Long-Term Home Improvements for Heat Resilience

If you experienced dangerous indoor temperatures during the heatwave, consider long-term home improvements that increase heat resilience. While some of these investments have upfront costs, they can provide significant protection during future heat events while also reducing energy bills:

Improved attic insulation: Proper insulation creates a thermal barrier that keeps heat out in summer and in during winter.
Whole-house fans: These powerful ventilation systems can cool your entire home when outdoor temperatures drop below indoor temperatures.
Cool roofing: Reflective roofing materials can reduce heat absorption by up to 50%.
Energy-efficient windows: Double or triple-pane windows with low-E coatings significantly reduce heat transfer.
Strategic landscaping: Deciduous trees on the south and west sides of your home provide summer shade while allowing winter sun.
Exterior window shading: Awnings, exterior blinds, or solar screens block heat before it enters windows.
Whole-home backup power systems: Consider permanent generators or battery backup systems if you live in an area prone to both extreme heat and power outages.

For homeowners concerned about the cost of these improvements, we typically recommend starting with an energy audit to identify the most cost-effective upgrades for your specific home. Many utility companies offer free or discounted energy audits, and some provide rebates for heat-resilient improvements.

Conclusion: Building Heat Resilience for a Warming World

As our climate continues to change, preparing for heatwaves is becoming an essential skill for families across the country. The steps outlined in this guide—from home preparation and emergency supplies to recognizing heat illness and caring for vulnerable populations—create a comprehensive approach to heat safety that can protect you and your loved ones during dangerous temperature extremes.

Remember that heatwave preparation isn’t a one-time event but an ongoing process of improvement. Each heat emergency provides an opportunity to refine your strategies and strengthen your resilience. By taking proactive steps before extreme heat arrives, you’ll be better positioned to weather these increasingly common events safely.

At Batten Home Security, we’re committed to helping families prepare for all types of emergencies, including extreme heat events. Our team has seen firsthand how proper preparation can make the difference between a manageable inconvenience and a life-threatening crisis during severe heatwaves.

Want to enhance your emergency preparedness for extreme weather events like heatwaves? Browse Batten’s expert-recommended emergency preparation products to ensure you and your family stay safe during any crisis.

Sources used for this article:

Heat Waves and Climate Change, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-heat-waves

Extreme Heat, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html

Weather Related Power Outages, Department of Energy, https://www.energy.gov/eere/articles/weather-related-power-outages-and-electric-system-resiliency