Historic Heat Dome and Extreme Heatwave Survival¶

A heat dome forms when a high-pressure atmospheric ridge traps hot ocean air over a region for days or weeks, preventing cloud cover and driving ambient air temperatures above 40 °C (104 °F). Unrelenting daytime and nighttime heat stresses electrical grids and human thermoregulation.

Cooling Strategies Without Air Conditioning¶

1. Cover Windows During Sunlight: Close blinds, drapes, and window shades during daylight hours. Apply reflective window covers or cardboard wrapped in foil to block direct solar radiation.
2. Utilize Nighttime Ventilation: Open windows at night only when outdoor air drops below indoor room temperatures. Position fans to blow hot air out through upper windows while pulling cool night air in from lower windows.
3. Take Cool Showers and Baths: Wetting skin with cool water lowers core body temperature effectively through evaporation.
4. Avoid Heat-Generating Appliances: Do not operate ovens, stoves, or clothes dryers during peak heat hours. Eat cool meals or use outdoor grills away from living quarters.

Managing Dehydration and Electrolytes¶

• Drink water continuously throughout the day, even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Consume electrolyte-rich fluids, sports drinks, or oral rehydration salts to replace essential sodium and potassium lost through heavy sweating.
• Avoid alcohol, highly sugary drinks, and caffeine, which accelerate dehydration.

Caring for Vulnerable Family Members and Neighbors¶

• Check on elderly neighbors, infant caregivers, and people with chronic health conditions at least twice daily.
• Never leave children, pets, or dependent adults inside parked vehicles, even for a few minutes with windows cracked.
• Identify public cooling centers, libraries, and community centers operating air-conditioned emergency spaces.