How do you stay Safe in Extreme Heat Without AC?

How to Stay Safe in Extreme Heat Without AC

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Quick answer

To stay safe in extreme heat without air conditioning, drink water regularly, stay in the lowest and coolest room, block sunlight with curtains, use battery fans, take cool showers or use damp cloths, and go to a cooling center if you can. Call 911 for heat stroke signs: body temperature of 103°F or higher, hot red skin, confusion or fainting.

Who is most at risk

Adults 65 and older, infants and young children, people with chronic illnesses, outdoor workers and people without air conditioning face the highest risk. Check on neighbors and relatives during heat waves.

Staying cool when the power is out

Drink water regularly, even if you don't feel thirsty. Limit alcohol and sugary drinks.
Stay on the lowest floor, out of direct sunlight. Close curtains and blinds on sunny sides.
Use battery-powered fans, but know that fans alone don't prevent heat illness once temperatures are very high.
Take cool showers or baths, or put damp cloths on your neck and wrists.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
Go to a cooling center, library or other air-conditioned public space during the hottest hours.
Never leave children or pets in a parked car, even for a minute.

Heat exhaustion vs. heat stroke

Condition	Heat exhaustion	Heat stroke
Signs	Heavy sweating; cold, pale, clammy skin; fast, weak pulse; nausea; muscle cramps; tiredness; dizziness; headache; fainting	Body temperature 103°F or higher; hot, red, dry or damp skin; fast, strong pulse; headache; dizziness; nausea; confusion; losing consciousness
What to do	Move somewhere cool, loosen clothing, use cool wet cloths, sip water. Get medical help if symptoms worsen or last more than an hour.	Call 911. Move the person somewhere cooler and cool them with cool cloths or a cool bath. Don't give them anything to drink.

Supplies for a heat emergency

Keep extra water, electrolyte drinks, battery fans with spare batteries, cooling towels and a power bank. A portable power station can run a fan for many hours.

Our picks

Products we'd consider for our own kits, chosen for reputation and fit. We don't accept payment for placement. Prices and availability are set by Amazon sellers and change often.

Best for: Airflow without power

O2COOL Treva Battery Fan

A popular battery-powered fan that runs on D batteries or AC.

View on Amazon: O2COOL Treva Battery Fan (opens in a new tab)

Best for: Electrolytes

Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

Electrolyte packets that help replace salts lost to sweat.

View on Amazon: Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier (opens in a new tab)

Best for: Personal cooling

Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad Cooling Towel

A towel that stays cool when wet, reusable and light.

View on Amazon: Frogg Toggs Chilly Pad Cooling Towel (opens in a new tab)

Best for: Running fans all night

Anker SOLIX C1000

Runs fans and charges phones for hours during a summer outage.

View on Amazon: Anker SOLIX C1000 (opens in a new tab)

Official sources

This guide is general information based on public guidance from the agencies above. It is not medical or professional advice, and The Blackout Bunker is not affiliated with any government agency. Always follow instructions from local officials.