Excess Heat Warning: Follow These Tips to Stay Safe
The City of Mpls Health department has prepared the below resources about how to stay safe in extreme heat, which is forecasted this weekend through early next week.
Below are their tips in English. The same information is also available in Spanish, Hmong and Somali.
Get ready
- Extreme heat is dangerous and can cause death.
- The hottest time of the day is usually 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Do not leave people or pets in a parked car on a hot day.
- Plan head by researching areas you can go to stay cool.
Stay cool/cool down
- Use an air conditioner if you have one.
- Put a cold, wet towel or ice pack on your neck.
- Drink more water than usual. Make sure children and pets drink enough water.
- Stay in the shade or inside a cool building.
- Cover your windows to keep sunlight out.
- Wear light, loose-fitting clothing.
- Avoid strenuous activity, especially between 10 a.m. through 4 p.m.
Get help
- Call 9-1-1 if someone is in danger, hurt, or not responding. You can ask for an ambulance and say that police are not needed. Watch for these symptoms of heat stroke or exhaustion:
- Trouble breathing
- Hot, dry skin
- Fast, strong pulse
- Nausea or vomiting
- Confusion or disorientation
- During a heat wave, United Way 2-1-1 can help you find a safe place to escape the heat.
- If you see an animal in a hot vehicle, please call emergency services.
Help others
- Being alone in extreme heat can be dangerous. Stay in contact with others, especially if you live alone.
- Ask neighbors, friends, and family about their plan to stay cool.
- Look out for people outside during a heatwave. Our unhoused neighbors are at greater risk.
