Extreme Heat Resources and Information
Keep Yourself Safe in Extreme Heat
When temperatures get too high, your risk of heat-related illness increases. Extreme heat is dangerous and can be fatal. Here are some resources to keep you cool, prepared, and aware this summer.
Cooling Centers
Free ACs through OHA and OHP
OHP members enrolled in a coordinated care organization (CCO) can contact their CCO and ask about flex services. Some CCOs offer flex services such as air conditioners to keep people healthy in the extreme weather.
Non-OHP members, including Medicare recipients, may be eligible for air conditioners and/or air filters through OHA's Air Conditioner and Air Filter Deployment Program. Learn if you're eligible and find the online request form on their website.
Heat Rules
Stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay informed.
Stay in air-conditioned places as much as possible. If your home doesn't have air-conditioning, go to a public library or mall. Take cool showers or baths and wear light, loose-fitting clothes.
Do not leave children or pets in cars. Cars heat up quickly and can be deadly for children or pets left inside, even if the windows are cracked open.
Learn more about how to prevent heat-related illness.
Know the warning signs of heat-related illness.
Heat exhaustion and heat stroke can look similar but require much different levels of care. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include nausea, dizziness, tiredness or weakness, a fast and weak pulse, and cold, pale, clammy skin. If you or someone else is experiencing heat exhaustion, move to a cool place, sip water, and wear cool, wet cloths.
Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Symptoms of heat stroke include a high body temperature of 103 or higher, headache, dizziness, confusion, loss of consciousness, a fast and strong pulse, and hot, red, dry, or damp skin. If someone is experiencing heat stroke, call 911, move them to a cooler space, and help lower their temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath. Do not give them anything to drink.
Learn more about the signs and symptoms.