Heat Related Threats

Heat related threats are the dangers that build when hot, dry weather settles in and stays. A heat wave dries out vegetation until lightning, sparks, or human activity can start wildfires that spread fast toward homes and wildlife habitats. The same heat speeds evaporation and drains soil moisture. That deepens drought and brings water restrictions, crop losses, and strain on food and water supplies in rural and urban areas alike.

Feeling the Heat

Heat related threats are the risks that come with extreme heat. In the body, they show up as heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and dehydration. Around the home, they show up as strained power grids, outages, wildfires, and drought. They matter to every family, and most to anyone caring for older adults, small children, or people who work outdoors.

Hydration is the first line of defense against heat illness. For severe fluid loss, some preppers add sodium chloride IV kits to their medical supplies. Long dry spells call for their own planning, and drought preparedness keeps your water supply steady when the rain stops.

Heat and dry fuel also raise the fire risk at home and across the landscape:

• Wildfire: Learn how protecting property from wildfires starts long before smoke appears, and how to make the wildfire evacuation call in time.
• Brush fires: See what a hot, dry season can do through the Australia brush fires.
• House fires: Pair house fire prevention with house fire preparedness, then practice your fire evacuation plan with the whole family.

Heat waves usually arrive with a forecast, which makes them one of the easier threats to get ahead of. Watch for heat alerts in your area, and use each guide to turn one heat related risk into a plan your family can follow.