What to do in extreme heat and heat stroke

Get somewhere cool, drink water, and check on anyone who lives alone. Heat stroke is an emergency: if someone is confused, slurring, collapsing or at 103°F or higher, call 911, move them somewhere cool and cool them fast with cold water, soaked clothes, a fan or cold packs. Don’t give them anything to drink.

What to do right now

1. Heat stroke signs: confusion, slurred speech, collapse; hot, dry or soaked skin; 103°F or higher.
2. Call 911.
3. Move them to shade or a cool room. Take off outer clothing.
4. Cool them fast: cold water or an ice bath, soaked clothes, a fan, cold packs on the neck, armpits and groin.
5. Don't give them anything to drink.

Remember: Heat stroke is an emergency. Cool first, fast.

Signs of heat stroke

Heat stroke: body temperature 103°F or higher; hot, red, dry or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; confusion; passing out.

What happened: Chicago, Illinois, 1995

During the worst of Chicago’s July 1995 heat wave, from 14 to 20 July, the city recorded 739 more deaths than normal, according to the city’s health department. People 65 and older were overrepresented.

The lesson: Get somewhere cool. Drink water. Check on anyone who lives alone.

Get ready before it happens

• Use air conditioning, or go to a library, mall or cooling center.
• Never leave a child or pet in a car, even for a minute.