Hot weather can lead to heat-related deaths and illnesses, conditions that are preventable. Hundreds of people in the United States die because of extreme heat conditions every year. Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness and learn how to protect yourself and those around you from extreme heat.
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Place to stay cool in Erie County
When the heat rises, there are many places to go to cool down. Find a list of places to stay cool in Erie County at erie.gov/staycool.
What is extreme heat?
Extreme heat is defined as temperatures that are much hotter and/or humid than average. Because some places are hotter than others, this depends on what is considered average for a particular location at that time of year. Humid and muggy conditions can make it seem hotter than it really is.
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Find your local HeatRisk by ZIP code on this CDC web site that shows a map of the U.S. with the risk of extreme heat over the next seven days.
Check out the Erie County Office of Health Equity publication “Let’s Get Ready for Summer Heat.” None of the information on this page should be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your health care provider.
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Who is most at risk?
Infants and children
Do not ever leave infants or children alone in a car, even if the windows are cracked open. If you see a child in a hot car, call 911 immediately.
See Estimated Vehicle Interior Air Temperature v. Elapsed Time, which shows how quickly the temperature inside your car rises.
Outdoor workers
- Heat and Outdoor Workers (CDC)
Pets
The high activity levels of dogs, in particular, make them incredibly vulnerable to the heat.
Do not ever leave your pet alone in a car, even if the windows are cracked open. If you see a pet in a hot car, call 911 immediately. See Estimated Vehicle Interior Air Temperature v. Elapsed Time, which shows how quickly the temperature inside your car rises.
Here are some tips for keeping your dog safe in the sun:
Learn the signs of heat exhaustion. Excessive panting, a dark purple-red tongue, and redness around the eyes are all signs that a dog may need a serious cool-down. Short-nosed dogs like boxers, bulldogs, and French bulldogs are most vulnerable.
Walk earlier and shorter. Go out before and after the peak heat of the day, and avoid too-hot pavement. Booties to protect paws are an option.
Be generous with water. A pet's drinking water should be supplied in plastic bowls that do not trap heat and that are constantly available during outside exercise or play. Consider setting up kiddie pools or sprinklers for dogs to run around in. The easier it is for them to access a way to cool down without your help, the better.
If the power goes out
If you need temporary power to provide cooling or refrigeration, be sure that portable generators are placed outside and at least 20 feet from any doors or windows. Exhaust from portable generators contains deadly carbon monoxide.
Be sure that portable generators are placed outside and at least 20 feet from any doors or windows.
