National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Weather-Ready Nation

National Program

Social Media: Heat

Weather.gov > Weather-Ready Nation > Social Media: Heat

Back to Social Media

Social Media: Heat Safety (Spring)
#WeatherReady #KeepYourCool

 

Please help the National Weather Service spread these important safety messages on social media! Everyone is welcome to use the text and images provided below to help the NWS build a Weather-Ready Nation. 

Heat Danger Beyond Heat Waves

Facebook
Heat can be a deadly weather hazard, even outside of heat waves. In fact, most heat-related deaths occur during milder weather. Don’t let your guard down in typically cooler seasons such as the spring or fall. Stay Weather-Ready! weather.gov/safety/heat

Twitter
Heat can be a deadly weather hazard, even outside of heat waves. In fact, most heat-related deaths occur during milder weather. Don’t let your guard down in typically cooler seasons such as the spring or fall. Stay Weather-Ready! weather.gov/safety/heat

Heat Danger Beyond Heatwaves: most heat-related deaths occur outside of heat waves. Stay Weather-Ready! Avoid overexertion and stay hydrated. Heat stroke can occur even during moderate heat. Never leave people or pets in a vehicle. Hot car deaths occur year-round. Assist those who are at higher risk for heat-related illness, including children, pregnant people, and other adults.

+Alt text

 

Heat Waves

Facebook
Heat is the leading cause of weather-related fatalities each year. A heat wave is a period of abnormally hot and sometimes humid weather, generally lasting more than a couple of days. Heat waves have the potential to cover a large area, exposing a high number of people to a hazardous combination of heat and humidity, which can be very taxing on the body. During a heat wave, stay indoors in air conditioning. weather.gov/safety/heat

Twitter
Heat wave: a period of abnormally hot and humid weather, lasting 2+ days. During a heat wave, stay indoors in air conditioning. weather.gov/safety/heat #WeatherReady

Stay indoors during heat waves. Stay indoors in air conditioning whenever possible. If your home doesn't have AC, check if your area has a cooling center. Remain hydrated by drinking water and avoiding alcohol. Check on those most vulnerable to heat, including children and the elderly. If you must go outdoors, go early or late in the day, and dress in light-colored clothing.

+Alt text

 

Heat Safety for Workers

Facebook
Outdoor workers can be at a higher risk from the effects of excessive heat. When working under hot conditions, OSHA recommends #WaterRestShade as well as allowing more frequent breaks for new workers or workers who have been away from the job for a week or more (acclimatization). Knowing symptoms, prevention, and emergency response methods can help prevent heat-related illnesses and death. Check weather forecasts ahead of time to be better prepared. osha.gov/heat

Twitter
Working outside in the #heat today? Make sure you get #WaterRestShade! Learn more at osha.gov/heat #OSHA #WeatherReady

Heat Safety When Working: Drink a cup of cool water every 20 minutes, even if you aren't thirsty. For long jobs, drink a beverage with electrolytes. Take regular breaks to rest. During hot conditions, skipping breaks is not safe! Seek periodic breaks in the AC if possible. Spend time in the shade when outdoors.

+Alt text

 

Protect Yourself Outdoors

Facebook
When outdoors in the heat, wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing to reflect heat and sunlight. If you will be spending time outdoors, hats are also a good idea to protect your face and scalp from harmful UV rays. Also, don’t forget to apply sunscreen liberally. weather.gov/safety/heat

Twitter
Protect yourself when outdoors in the heat. weather.gov/safety/heat

Protect yourself from heat and sun. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Beverages with electrolytes can also help protect against heat stress. Apply sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, every two hours. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, and light-colored clothing. Take regular breaks in the shade.

+Alt text

 

Sunburn Safety

Facebook
Spending time in the sun on vacation this spring? Apply plenty of sunscreen! Also, keep in mind that heat-related illness is a possibility if you don’t take certain precautions. Find out more about heat-related illnesses and how to prevent them at weather.gov/safety/heat-illness

Twitter
Spending time in the sun? Apply sunscreen and avoid heat-related illness: weather.gov/safety/heat-illness

Don't forget the sunscreen! Use SPF 30 or higher broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapply every two hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off. Spend time in the shade and wear light, loose-fitting clothes for maximum protection.

+Alt text

 

PVH: Year-Round

Facebook
Children should NEVER be left in a car, no matter the time of year. Vehicular heatstroke has occurred when outside temperatures are below 70°F - sunlight can cause the inside of a car to heat up VERY quickly. Stay Weather-Ready. weather.gov/safety/heat-illness

Twitter
Children should NEVER be left in a car, no matter the time of year. Vehicular heatstroke has occurred when outside temperatures are below 70°F - sunlight can cause the inside of a car to heat up VERY quickly. Stay #WeatherReady weather.gov/safety/heat-illness

Year-round, never leave kids in cars! Roughly a third of child hot car deaths occur outside of the summer months. Check the backseat year-round. Hot car deaths have occurred each month of the year. Lock parked cars year-round. Deaths have occurred due to a child entering a parked car. Be on guard even if it's not hot outside. Hot car deaths can occur even when the outside temperature is below 70°F.

+Alt text

 

PVH: Strategies

Facebook
Everyone operates on auto-pilot once in a while. Caregivers should have a strategy to ensure that no one is ever forgotten in a hot car. Always be Weather-Ready. weather.gov/safety/heat-children-pets

Twitter
Everyone operates on auto-pilot once in a while. Caregivers should have a strategy to ensure that no one is ever forgotten in a hot car. Always be #WeatherReady. weather.gov/safety/heat-children-pets

Dont' forget anyone in a hot car. Everyone operates on auto-pilot once in a while. Have a plan! Place a bag or other item in the backseat to remind you of passengers after you park. Place a stuffed animal in the front seat as a reminder to check for passengers. Consider additional methods such as phone alarms, partner/buddy check-ins, or built-in car reminder systems.

+Alt text

 

PVH: Always Lock Parked Cars

Facebook
Over 900 children have died inside hot vehicles since 1998. Some of these tragedies were due to children accessing a parked car without supervision. Always lock parked cars, even if you are not a caregiver. weather.gov/safety/heat-children-pets

Twitter
Over 900 children have died inside hot vehicles since 1998. Some of these tragedies were due to children accessing a parked car without supervision. Always lock parked cars, even if you are not a caregiver. weather.gov/safety/heat-children-pets

Always lock parked cars. Over 900 children have died inside hot vehicles since 1998. Some were due to children accessing a parked car without supervision. Lock parked cars, even if you are not a caretaker. If you can't find your child, you should always check the car.

+Alt text

 

Heat Exhaustion or Heat Stroke?

Facebook
During hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged in ways you may not expect. When your body heats too rapidly, or when too much fluid or salt is lost through dehydration or sweating, you may experience a heat-related illness. Stay Weather-Ready by learning the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses.
weather.gov/safety/heat-illness

Twitter
During hot and humid weather, your body's ability to cool itself is challenged in ways you may not expect. Stay #WeatherReady by learning the symptoms of excessive heat exposure and the appropriate responses.
weather.gov/safety/heat-illness

Heat Exhaustion vs Heat Stroke. Symptoms of heat exhaustion include dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea, and weakness. Act fast by moving to a cooler area, loosening clothing, sipping cool water. Seek medical help if symptoms don't improve. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stroke include confusion, dizziness, and becoming unconscious. Act fast by calling 911, moving the person to a cooler area, loosening clothing and removing extra layers, and cooling with water or ice. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not given.

+Alt text

 

Helping Others: Extreme Heat

Facebook
Children, the elderly, and those with chronic illness are especially vulnerable to heat exposure.
NEVER leave anyone (or pets) alone in a locked car.
Monitor people exercising or playing sports, ensuring frequent breaks.
Bring water to outdoor activities with others to keep everyone hydrated.
Learn the signs of heat-related illnesses at weather.gov/safety/heat-illness

Twitter
Children, the elderly, and those with chronic illness are especially vulnerable to heat exposure. Learn the signs of heat-related illnesses at weather.gov/safety/heat-illness

Helping Others: Extreme Heat. Never leave anyone (or pets) alone in a locked car. Monitor others exercising or playing sports, ensuring frequent breaks. Bring water to outdoor activities to keep everyone hydrated.

+Alt text

 

Heat can escalate quickly

Facebook
Warm temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels — especially in the summer and in parked cars. Stay Weather-Ready and don’t underestimate the heat. weather.gov/safety/heat

Twitter
Warm temperatures can quickly rise to dangerous levels — especially in the summer and in parked cars. Stay #WeatherReady and don’t underestimate the heat. weather.gov/safety/heat

Heat can escalate quickly. Warm temperatures can quickly become dangerous. Heat is one of the most deadly weather hazards - don't underestimate it. Never leave people or pets alone in a car. Drink plenty of water, even if you don't feel thirsty. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Spend time in air conditioning and in the shade.

+Alt text

 

Heat Watch vs Warning

Facebook
An Excessive Heat WATCH means Be Prepared.
An Excessive Heat WARNING means Take Action!
weather.gov/safety/heat-ww

Twitter
An Excessive Heat WATCH means Be Prepared.
An Excessive Heat WARNING means Take Action!
weather.gov/safety/heat-ww#WeatherReady

An Excessive Heat Watch means be prepared. An Excessive Heat Watch is issued when dangerous heat is possible. Reschedule outdoor activities in the coming days. Make sure that children, the elderly, and pets have a place to cool off during the heat. An Excessive Heat Warning means take action! An Excessive Heat Warning is issued when dangerous is happening or about to happen. Avoid heavy activity and direct sunlight. Stay hydrated, find a cool indoor place, and check on children, elderly & pets.

+Alt text

 

Vulnerable Populations (Descriptions)

Facebook
Everyone is at risk from the dangers of extreme heat, but these groups are more vulnerable than most. Ensure that your loved ones and neighbors are safe from the heat and remain Weather-Ready. weather.gov/safety/heat-during

Twitter
Everyone is at risk from the dangers of extreme heat, but these groups are more vulnerable than most. Ensure that your loved ones and neighbors are safe from the heat and remain #WeatherReady. weather.gov/safety/heat-during

Heat Impacts on Vulnerable Populations. Pregnant: Extreme heat events have been associated with adverse birth outcomes such as low birth weight, preterm birth, infant mortality, and congenital cataracts. Newborns: Newborns are extra sensitive to heat because their ability to regulate body temperature is limited. Children: Young children and infants are particularly vulnerable to heat, as their bodies are less able to adapt to heat than adults. Those under four are especially vulnerable. Elderly: Older adults, especially those who have preexisting diseases, take certain medications, live alone or have limited mobility are at higher risk for heat illness. Chronic Illness: People with chronic medical conditions are more likely to have a serious health problem during a heat wave.

+Alt text

 

Vulnerable Populations (Actions)

Facebook
Everyone is at risk from the dangers of extreme heat, but these groups are more vulnerable than most. Ensure that your loved ones and neighbors are safe from the heat and remain Weather-Ready. weather.gov/safety/heat-during

Twitter
Everyone is at risk from the dangers of extreme heat, but these groups are more vulnerable than most. Ensure that your loved ones and neighbors are safe from the heat and remain #WeatherReady. weather.gov/safety/heat-during

Heat Impacts on Vulnerable Populations. Everyone is at risk from the dangers of extreme heat, but these groups are more vulnerable than most: pregnant, newborns, children, elderly, chronic illness. Age and certain conditions make the body less able to regulate temperature. Never leave anyone alone in a closed car. Use air conditioners and stay in the shade. Drink plenty of water, even if not thirsty. Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.

+Alt text

 

Your Safe Place from Heat

Facebook
Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths most years. You are generally safe indoors with the AC on while staying hydrated. If you can’t easily get indoors, stay in the shade. Stay Weather-Ready and learn more about heat safety: weather.gov/safety/heat

Twitter
Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths most years. You are generally safe indoors with the AC on while staying hydrated. If you can’t easily get indoors, stay in the shade. Stay #WeatherReady and learn more about heat safety: weather.gov/safety/heat

Your safe place from heat: heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths most years. You are generally safe indoors with the AC on, while staying hydrated. During extreme heat, stay inside and keep cool.

+Alt text

 

What Weather-Ready Looks Like: Hot Cars

Facebook
What does being Weather-Ready look like? When it comes to vehicle heat safety, it means caregivers and parents setting reminders and always looking before they lock. Learn more heat safety and preparedness tips at weather.gov/safety/heat

Twitter
What does being #WeatherReady look like? When it comes to vehicle heat safety, it means caregivers and parents setting reminders and always looking before they lock. Learn more heat safety and preparedness tips at weather.gov/safety/heat

What does Weather-Ready look like? During heat: Responsible caregivers and parents never leaving the vulnerable alone in vehicles, and always looking before they lock.

+Alt text

 

Look Before You Lock

Facebook
On average, 38 kids die each year by being left in a vehicle. 88% are under 3 years old. 54% are forgotten by a caregiver. weather.gov/safety/heat-children-pets

Twitter
On average, 38 kids die each year by being left in a vehicle. 88% are under 3 years old. 54% are forgotten by a caregiver. weather.gov/safety/heat-children-pets #LookBeforeYouLock #WeatherReady

Look Before You Lock! Hot Cars and Children Safety. 38 kids die each year by being left in an unattended vehicle. 88% are ages of 3 & under. 54% were forgotten by a caregiver. 100% of these deaths can be avoided! Statistics courtesy of www.noheatstroke.org

+Alt text

 

Pet Heat Safety

Facebook
Animals can die of heatstroke within 15 minutes, and cracking the car windows doesn’t help. NEVER leave your pets in parked vehicles. weather.gov/safety/heat-children-pets

Twitter
Animals can die of heatstroke within 15 minutes, and cracking the car windows doesn’t help. NEVER leave your pets in parked vehicles. weather.gov/safety/heat-children-pets#WeatherReady

Pet Heat Safety: Save a pet's life in a hot car. Animals can die of heatstroke within 15 minutes. Cracking the windows does not help, the inside still gets dangerously hot. During hot weather, keep your pets at home. If you see a pet in an uattended vehicle, do not leave until the problem has been resolved.

+Alt text

 

Survivor Story: Dehydration

Facebook
“I chose to hike alone, without water, and I did not check the weather. When I returned, I was clammy, shaking, ash gray, had a splitting headache and felt nauseous. It took over a day to recover. Always have plenty of water.” Check the weather before you go! weather.gov/heat

Twitter
“I chose to hike alone, without water, and I did not check the weather. When I returned, I was clammy, shaking, ash gray, had a splitting headache and felt nauseous. It took over a day to recover. Always have plenty of water.” weather.gov/heat #WeatherReady

I decided to hike Mt. Talac, 10 miles, often running. I chose to hike alone, without water, and I did not check the weather. When I returned, I was clammy, shaking, ash gray, had a splitting headache and felt nauseous. It took over a day to recover. Don't be lazy. Always have plenty of water. Quote from Sabrina, Lake Tahoe, California, 1991

+Alt text

 

During Excessive Heat

Facebook
Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in most years. Protect yourself during excessive heat and stay Weather-Ready. weather.gov/heat

Twitter
Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in most years. Protect yourself during excessive heat and stay #WeatherReady. weather.gov/heat

During Excessive Heat: Find air conditioning. Avoid strenuous activities. Wear light clothing. Check on family members and neighbors. Drink plenty of water. Watch for heat cramps, exhaustion, and stroke. Never leave people or pets in a closed car.

+Alt text

 

After the Sun Goes Down

Facebook
Even after the sun goes down, heat can be a real danger - especially in large cities. Dark pavement and buildings are very effective at absorbing heat. Stay Weather-Ready by always practicing heat safety, no matter the time of day. weather.gov/heat

Twitter
Even after the sun goes down, heat can be a real danger - especially in large cities. Dark pavement and buildings are very effective at absorbing heat. Stay #WeatherReady by always practicing heat safety, no matter the time of day. weather.gov/heat

Excessive Heat: dangerous even after the sun goes down. Large cities often experience higher temperatures than surrounding areas because of all the heat-absorptive surfaces, such as dark pavement and buildings. This is known as an urban heat island. The upper floors of brick buildings are particularly susceptible to the dangers of excessive heat without air conditioning, because they retain heat after the sun goes down. The strong influence of the urban heat island on nighttime temperatures limits the ability of people to cool down and recover the heat of the next day.

+Alt text

 

Excessive Heat

Facebook
Stay Weather-Ready from the dangers of excessive heat. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones at weather.gov/heat #HeatSafety

Twitter
Stay #WeatherReady from the dangers of excessive heat. Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones at weather.gov/heat #HeatSafety

Excessive Heat: Why is excessive heat so dangerous? Heat becomes especially dangerous if it lingers for more than one day. Hot days and warm nights don’t give our bodies time to cool down. Heat islands can intensify extreme hot weather, which can cause breathing problems, heat cramps, heat stroke, and may lead to illness or even death. What can you do? Check on your friends, family and neighbors during heat waves. Wear light, loose-fitting clothing and drink water often. Don't wait until you are thirsty. Avoid unnecessary hard work or activities if you are outside or in a building without air-conditioning. Stay in an air-conditioned area. Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness.

+Alt text

 

Heat Safety Infographic

Facebook
Heat is typically the leading cause of weather-related fatalities each year. Heat waves have the potential to cover a large area, exposing a high number of people to a hazardous combination of heat and humidity, which can be very taxing on the body. Learn how to stay safe during a heat wave at weather.gov/heat

Twitter
During a heat wave, practice heat safety wherever you are. Heat related deaths and illnesses are preventable! #WeatherReady www.weather.gov/heat

Practice Heat Safety wherever you are. Job Sites: stay hydrated and take breaks in the shade as often as possible. Indoors: Check up on the elderly, sick and those without AC. Vehicles: Never leave kids or pets unattended - LOOK before you LOCK. Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade, and stay hydrated. Heat-related deaths are preventable. Protect yourself and others from the impacts of heat waves.

+Alt text

 

Auto Safety Infographic

Facebook
Never, never, never leave children, disabled or elderly adults, or pets in parked, unattended vehicles! Studies have shown that the temperature inside a parked vehicle can rapidly rise to dangerous levels for people and pets. Leaving the windows slightly open does not significantly decrease the heating rate. The effects can be more severe on children because their bodies have not developed the ability to efficiently regulate internal temperature. weather.gov/safety/heat-children-pets

Twitter
Never, Never, NEVER leave children, disabled adults, or pets in parked, unattended vehicles! weather.gov/safety/heat-children-pets #WeatherReady

Heat-Related Deaths ARE Preventable. LOOK BEFORE YOU LOCK. The temperature in your car can quickly become deadly!

+Alt text

 

Staying Safe in the Heat

Facebook
Stay safe in the heat! Limit outdoor activities. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Wear light-colored clothing and sunscreen. Work outdoors early or very late in the day. weather.gov/heatsafety

Twitter
Stay safe in the heat if you’re working or playing outdoors! Learn more at weather.gov/heatsafety #WeatherReady

Staying Safe in the Heat: Limit outdoor activities. Drink plenty of water. Wear light clothing. Wear sunscreen. Work outdoors early or very late in the day.

+Alt text

 

4 Questions before working outdoors

Facebook
Four questions you need to ask yourself before working or playing outdoors: Do you have enough water? Do you have temporary shade available? Do you know the symptoms of heat-related illnesses? Do you know who to call in an emergency? www.osha.gov/heat

Twitter
Four questions you need to ask yourself prior to working or playing outdoors. www.osha.gov/heat #WeatherReady

4 Questions before working outdoors: 1. Do you have enough water? 2. Do you have temporary shade available? 3. Do you know the symptoms of heat illness? 3. Do you know who to call in an emergency?

+Alt text

 

Heat Index

Facebook
Did you know the air temperature can actually feel hotter than what the thermometer reads? The Heat Index is a measure of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in. To find out how hot it feels, you can use the pictured chart or the Heat Index calculator found at: weather.gov/safety/heat-index

Twitter
The Heat Index tells you how hot it feels with humidity. weather.gov/safety/heat-index #WeatherReady

Pictured: Heat Index

+Alt text