STAY COOL. STAY READY.
Extreme Heat Resource Hub
Practical tools and trusted information to help you prepare for extreme heat, protect your household, and look out for your community.
Extreme heat can affect anyone. Planning before temperatures rise can help you know where to go, what to do, who to check on, and when to get help.
Whether you received one of our Extreme Heat Resilience Toolkits, attended a Planning Ahead program, or found us while looking for resources, you are in the right place.
Because you matter.
Four Things You Can Do Today
Small steps make a big difference when temperatures rise.
Get alerts
Sign up for Alert Durham and NC heat alert emails to know when dangerous heat is coming.
Find a cool spot
Durham County libraries serve as cooling centers during regular hours when the heat index is high.
Block the heat
Close shades during the day and seal gaps around doors, windows, and window AC units.
Pick a heat buddy
Agree to check on a friend or neighbor, and ask them to check on you.
MAKE YOUR PLAN
Create Your Household Heat Plan
What would your household do if temperatures became dangerously hot tomorrow?
Where would you go if your home became too warm? Who would you call? What would you do if the power went out? Who would check on you?
Planning Ahead's Create Your Household Heat Plan helps you answer those questions before an emergency.
Use the plan to:
✓ Choose a trusted source for weather information
✓ Identify places where you can cool down
✓ Make a hydration plan
✓ Plan for medications and health needs
✓ Prepare for a power outage
✓ Choose a Heat Buddy
✓ Identify people you'll check on
✓ Plan for your pets
✓ Recognize warning signs of heat-related illness
✓ Choose your next preparedness action
Download it. Complete it with your household. Keep it with your emergency supplies.
Know the Warning Signs
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Heat exhaustion: heavy sweating, pale skin, cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, or fainting. Move to a cooler place, loosen clothing, and sip water. Call your doctor if it gets worse or lasts more than an hour.
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Heat stroke is an emergency: body temperature above 103°F, hot red dry skin, fast pulse, confusion, trouble speaking, or passing out. Call 9-1-1 right away and cool the person with water, ice, or cold wet towels.
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Fans are not enough during extreme heat. Air conditioning is the best protection.
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Extreme heat causes more deaths each year than any other weather hazard.
What To Do
During extreme heat
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Stay in air conditioning as much as you can. If home is too hot, go to a cooling center.
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Drink water all day, even before you feel thirsty. Limit caffeine and alcohol.
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Stay inside from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and wear light, loose clothing.
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Never leave people or pets in a parked car.
After the heat
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Call your doctor if heat illness symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.
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In Durham, call 911 or 919-560-4000 for a welfare check on someone showing signs of heat illness.
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If cooling costs are hard to afford, ask Durham County Social Services about energy assistance.
Check on others
Older adults, young children, people with health conditions, and people without air conditioning or stable housing face the greatest risk. During a heat wave, check on neighbors who live alone at least once a day.
Trusted Resources
Official sources for heat alerts, cooling sites, and safety tips. Links open in a new tab.