Heat first-hour survival checklist

Before you act

First-hour steps

1. Move out of direct sun and reduce physical activity immediately.
2. Drink water slowly and add electrolytes if sweating heavily.
3. Cool the neck, armpits, and groin with wet cloths or cold packs.
4. Check older adults, infants, outdoor workers, and pets.
5. Call emergency services for confusion, fainting, or hot dry skin.

Do not do this

• Do not leave people or pets in parked cars.
• Do not rely on alcohol or caffeine for hydration.
• Do not use fans alone when indoor air is dangerously hot.
• Do not ignore dizziness, confusion, or stopped sweating.

Kit items to check

• Portable Water Filter · Floods, outages, evacuation bags, and boil-water advisories.
• Electrolyte Packets · Heat waves, outdoor work, long evacuation waits, and sweating illness prevention.
• Evaporative Cooling Towel · Fast neck and pulse-point cooling when shade or AC is limited.
• NOAA Weather Radio · Reliable warnings when mobile networks or power are down.
• Compact First Aid Kit · Cuts, burns, sprains, and basic wound care after storms or evacuation.