Surviving a Heat Wave: Prevention Measures

It’s difficult to overstate the importance of heat safety awareness. According to data tracked by the CDC, there were over 1,700 heat-related deaths in 2022. And while those with mental illness and chronic conditions are at the highest level of risk, the same data shows that “more than one in five heat-related deaths occur in Americans aged 15 to 44.” Put another way, extreme heat “kills more people most years than hurricanes, floods and tornadoes combined,” according to Scientific American.

When it comes to surviving extreme heat, the old adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” certainly applies—as it’s much easier to take preventive steps than to be left scrambling for solutions once you’re already in the midst of an oppressive heat wave. After all, emergency room visits are neither fun nor cheap, with the average emergency room visit in most American states costing between $1,000 and $3,000.

Fortunately, there are steps you can take today to ensure that your household is ready for whatever Mother Nature might bring, including how to make sure you have the right home standby generator in place and that it’s in good working order. 

What Are 3 Guidelines for Preventing Heat-Related Conditions?

While extreme heat can be very dangerous, especially to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, there are plenty of precautions you can take to protect yourself and your family in the event of a heat wave. 

What are the guidelines for heat safety? The CDC recommends 3 clear guidelines for preventing heat-related conditions like heat exhaustion or even heat stroke:

1. Stay Cool: Wear loose-fitting clothing, spend time in air-conditioned spaces, and minimize outdoor activities.
2. Stay Hydrated: Especially during a heat wave, maintaining proper hydration (by drinking around 3 liters of water or more, daily) is a cheap and often effective way to prevent heat-related conditions.
3. Stay Informed: Familiarize yourself with the most common heat stroke and heat exhaustion symptoms, which you can learn more about in this resource put together by Red Cross.

Of course, these and other heat illness prevention tips—like using fans to keep air circulating, or taking cold showers and baths—will require the use of a generator. With the right home standby generator, you can rest easy knowing that you’ll maintain essential power when extreme heat strikes. Next, let’s look at what an extreme heat emergency plan might look like.

What Is the Emergency Plan for Extreme Heat?

Your heat wave emergency plan should include measures for preventing heat-related conditions, like familiarizing yourself with the most common symptoms and potential treatment options. That way, you can seek heat stroke or heat exhaustion treatment at the first sign of trouble. 

Here’s a checklist you can use to make sure that you’re properly prepared:

• Make sure your air conditioner is in good working order, and have a backup plan in case your AC can’t keep up with the heat. When everyone on the block is blasting their AC at the same time, it puts extreme stress on the grid, resulting in a potential power outage or blackout, so you also must… (see next point)
• Invest in a home standby generator, so you’re prepared for a power outage. When an AC unit fails, indoor temperatures can creep toward dangerous levels, so a quiet, reliable generator is one of the best ways to prepare for a heat wave.
• Make sure your generator is up to task. Not every generator is perfect for every household, so you want to find the best generator for your specific power needs. Cummins provides a wide range of reliable home standby generators—use our generator size calculator to get a better idea of which generators are best-suited for your needs.
• Make sure your generator is in good working order. You should perform basic maintenance checks regularly, as opposed to waiting until you’re in the midst of a heat wave. Some basic, DIY generator maintenance includes steps like:
  • Check the battery and replace regularly based on the owner’s manual
  • Checking the oil level and keeping the bearings lubricated.
  • Checking fluid levels and terminal connections.
  • Cleaning the air and fuel filters.
  • Monitoring for signs of overheating—and preventing overheating by checking coolant levels, ensuring that all parts are tightly in place, and keeping the unit’s exterior clean.
  • Inspecting and cleaning the alternator.
  • Cleaning the radiator.
  • Testing the generator based on the operating manual, if not more frequently.
  • Check in on your relatives and neighbors, especially older adults. Make sure to seek treatment if they start to exhibit signs of potential heat exhaustion or other related conditions.
  • Make a plan for keeping your pets cool. Keep their water bowls full and encourage them to drink plenty throughout the day. Limit their outside time, and monitor them for any signs of heat-related distress, such as heat stroke. 

If you have outdoor plans that may fall on an “extreme heat” day, consider rescheduling or moving activities indoors—or at least to a cooler part of the day. If that’s not possible, then make sure to plan ahead. Have an “extreme heat” kit ready to go with things like a refillable water bottle, light-colored clothing and other protective gear such as a sun hat, and plenty of sunscreen.

To learn more about the protective measures you can take to keep yourself and your family safe—including preventive measures as well as things you can do to find some relief in the midst of a heat wave—check out the guides produced by organizations like FEMA, the CDC, and Red Cross.

Don’t Wait Until the Heat Wave Hits: Keep Your Family Cool with a Home Standby Generator from Cummins

When you consider the dangers associated with extreme heat—and the fact that, according to the EPA, heat waves are becoming more frequent and more intense—preparation is absolutely vital. 

Now that you know how to prepare for extreme heat, a reliable home standby generator can go a long way toward protecting yourself and your family from dangerous conditions. Browse Cummins’ full line of generators to find the perfect option for your home.