/Enterprise Risk Management
Environmental Health and Safety

SAFETY TALKS

SAFETY TALK

EXTREME HEAT SAFETY (JULY 2026)

 

Extreme Heat Safety An extreme heat event is a series of hot days, much hotter than average for a particular time and place. Extreme heat is deadly and kills more people than any other weather event. Climate crisis is making extreme heat events more frequent, more severe, and last longer. But we can take action to prepare. Prepare now to protect yourself and your loved ones.

 

Learn How to Stay Hydrated

  • You need to drink enough water to prevent heat illness. An average person needs to drink about 3/4 of a gallon of water daily. Everyone’s needs may vary.
  • You can check that you are getting enough water by noting your urine color. Dark yellow may indicate you are not drinking enough.
  • Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
  • If you are sweating a lot, combine water with snacks or a sports drink to replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat.
  • Talk to your doctor about how to prepare if you have a medical condition or are taking medicines.

 

Make a Plan to Stay Cool

  • Do not rely only on electric fans during extreme heat. When temperatures are in the high 90s, fans may not prevent heatrelated illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
  • Spending a few hours each day in air conditioning can help prevent heat illness.
    • If you have air conditioning, be sure that it is in working order.
    • If you do not have air conditioning or if there is a power outage, find locations where you can stay cool. For example, a public library, shopping mall, or a public cooling center. Plan how you will get there.
  • Make sure you have plenty of lightweight, loose clothing to wear.
  • Create a support team of people you may assist and who can assist you. Check in with them often to make sure that everyone is safe.

 

For more information:

EH&S Working in Extreme Weather

American Red Cross

 

Please share the safety talk, for the noted month, with your employees and sign off on this form. All others should read for themselves. Completed forms shall be kept on file by the department.