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Beat the Heat 2025 – Summer Safety Tips for Seniors

The summer months bring warmer weather, and high temperatures can pose serious health risks for older adults. As temperatures rise, seniors should take extra care to stay cool and hydrated. Family, friends, and neighbors should check in regularly.

Keep Your Home Cool

  • Close blinds and curtains during the day to block out heat.
  • Keep windows closed until it’s cooler outside. In the evening, open windows and blinds to let cooler air in.
  • Use air conditioning if you have it, and keep doors and windows shut.
  • If you don’t have AC, use fans and open doors to let cooler air flow through.
  • If your home stays hot, go to an air-conditioned place like a mall or visit someone with a cooler home.

Keep Your Body Cool

  • Drink plenty of water and eat regularly, even if you don’t feel hungry.
  • Use a cold cloth on your face, wrists, or neck. Cool showers or running cold water over your wrists can help.
  • Wear light, breathable clothing like cotton.
  • Avoid going out during the day. If you must, wear sunscreen, a hat, and protective clothing.

Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness

  • Warning signs include: dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid heartbeat, confusion, or fainting.
  • If someone shows these signs, move them to a cool place, offer water, and seek medical help if symptoms worsen.

Make a Heat Emergency Plan

  • Know where to go to stay cool, both inside and outside your home. This may include a local cooling center, seniors’ centers, or programs that offer rides to air-conditioned locations.
  • Learn how to cool down quickly (cold showers, AC, etc.).
  • Stay hydrated.
  • Keep track of weather alerts and heat warnings.
  • Keep a list of emergency contacts in an easy-to-reach spot. Include family, friends, doctors, and local services that can help in an emergency.

Staying cool and safe during heat waves can save lives. Plan ahead and look out for each other.

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