Last summer, a family just a few blocks from us lost power during one of the hottest days of the year.
Their air conditioner stopped, their refrigerator began warming, and by evening the temperature inside their home was over 34°C (93°F). They had plenty of food, but almost no drinking water.
Their phones were nearly dead, and they had nowhere to cool off because every nearby public cooling center was packed.
Fortunately, they got through it.
Not every family does.
When most people think about emergency preparedness, they picture blizzards, hurricanes, floods, or wildfires. Yet extreme heat quietly kills more people in North America each year than almost every other weather disaster combined.
The good news is that preparing for a heat wave is one of the easiest and least expensive forms of preparedness.
Here’s what every family should have ready before temperatures start climbing.
The biggest danger during extreme heat is dehydration.
Most people don’t realize how quickly dehydration can happen, especially when you’re working outside or your home has no air conditioning.
Store at least:
One gallon (4 litres) of water per person per day.
A minimum three-day supply.
Ideally, enough for two weeks.
Don’t forget pets. They also need extra water during hot weather.
If storage space is limited, rotate bottled water every year and keep reusable water containers ready to fill if heat warnings are issued.
Air conditioning is wonderful until the power goes out.
Have backup cooling methods available, including:
Battery-operated or rechargeable fans
Cooling towels
Spray bottles filled with water
Wide-brimmed hats
Light-colored, breathable clothing
Shade canopies for outdoor use
Even a simple fan combined with damp skin can make a significant difference in comfort.
Many heat emergencies become much worse after an electrical outage.
A portable power station can keep essential devices running, including:
Phones
Medical devices
Small fans
LED lights
Radios
Solar panels designed for portable power stations provide additional resilience during prolonged outages.
Heat illnesses often develop gradually.
Your medical supplies should include:
Prescription medications with several weeks of supply
Know the warning signs of:
Heat exhaustion
Heat stroke
Severe dehydration
Heat stroke is a medical emergency.
Call emergency services immediately if someone becomes confused, unconscious, or stops sweating while overheating.
Cooking inside your home adds unnecessary heat.
Keep foods that require little or no preparation:
Peanut butter
Crackers
Canned meats
Protein bars
Trail mix
Dried fruit
Ready-to-eat meals
If the power fails, avoid opening your refrigerator unnecessarily to help preserve cold temperatures.
Keeping heat out is easier than trying to remove it later.
Before summer:
Install blackout curtains.
Close blinds during peak sunlight.
Seal air leaks.
Use reflective window coverings.
Trim vegetation blocking airflow.
Clean air conditioner filters.
Small improvements can reduce indoor temperatures by several degrees.
Summer storms often accompany heat waves.
Have:
Avoid relying on candles whenever possible.
Your home may become unsafe during prolonged heat.
Identify nearby:
Libraries
Community centres
Shopping malls
Public cooling centres
Friends or relatives with reliable air conditioning
Have several options planned before you need them.
Cars become dangerously hot within minutes.
During summer keep:
Extra drinking water
Never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.
Preparedness isn’t only about your own family.
Older adults, people living alone, those with chronic medical conditions, and families with infants are especially vulnerable during heat waves.
A quick phone call or knock on the door can literally save a life.
Here’s a simple checklist:
Drinking water
Electrolyte packets
Portable fan
Portable power station
Flashlights
Batteries
First aid kit
Oral rehydration salts
Cooling towels
Shelf-stable food
Battery-powered weather radio
Phone charging cables
Sun hats
Sunscreen
Emergency contact list
Most of these items are inexpensive, and many are useful year-round.
Extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable. It can become life-threatening with very little warning.
Preparing now means you won’t be scrambling for bottled water when store shelves are empty, searching for batteries after the power goes out, or wondering how you’ll keep your family safe when temperatures soar.
Preparedness isn’t about expecting the worst.
It’s about making sure your family stays comfortable, healthy, and confident when everyone else is rushing to catch up.
Question for you:
What’s the one item you added to your emergency supplies that turned out to be surprisingly useful during a heat wave?
Share your experience in the comments. You might help another family prepare before the next one arrives.
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