Traveling This Summer? Experts Say These Heat Safety Steps Matter More Than Ever
Extreme heat is baking large swaths of the country right now, and readers heading out on summer trips are asking how to stay safe on the road, in the air and at their destination. Here is what doctors and emergency officials say every traveler should know before leaving home.
What are the warning signs of heat illness travelers should watch for?
Early warning signs of heat illness include heavy sweating, muscle cramps and headache. If those show up, stop and cool down right away.
Heat exhaustion brings a faster heart rate and dizziness, while heat stroke can cause confusion, slurred words and fainting and requires a 911 call. On vacation, long hours outdoors, intense activities and drinking more alcohol than usual can all make it harder to notice you are overheating, and some medications and health conditions add to that risk. Dr. Alexander Azan, co-director of Project HEATWAVE at NYU Langone Health, told PBS, “The same way that we prepare for more extreme travel in the cold, we should start to consider those tips to keep us safe in the summer months.” Use the buddy system and watch for cool clammy skin, nausea or muscle cramps. If symptoms worsen to slurred speech, extreme confusion, unconsciousness or skin that is hot to the touch, get medical help immediately.
How should you prepare before traveling in extreme heat this summer?
Check the hourly forecast, confirm your lodging has reliable air conditioning and pack for the heat before you leave home.
More than 180 million people have faced Level 3 or Level 4 heat risk across the eastern US, according to the National Weather Service, while the Southwest has already hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat kills more people on average than any other weather hazard, with about 238 heat deaths a year based on a 10-year preliminary average from 2015 to 2024, per NOAA. Survey travel companions for any health considerations and look up whether your destination has had recent power blackouts or brownouts. Search for public cooling centers nearby and jot down local emergency numbers. Pack a reusable water bottle, light-colored breathable clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat and a cooling towel. A portable fan can help in moderate conditions, but avoid using one in very high temperatures because it will just blow hot air back at you.
What car and driving safety tips help in extreme heat?
Get your vehicle inspected a few weeks before you leave, keep the tank above a quarter full and never leave children, pets or older adults alone in the car.
Focus any pre-trip inspection on the engine cooling system and battery. If you are renting a car abroad, confirm it has working air conditioning. Pack water and snacks for passengers and pets, and take regular breaks to hydrate. Pete Cichetti, director of the State Office of Emergency Management, told WGRZ, “If you’re traveling in heat like this, the number one rule is to never leave a child or a pet or anyone unattended in a car. Vehicles can get extremely hot really quickly, especially when we have temperatures like this.” Park in shade, use a windshield sunshade and, when entering a hot car, run the AC with recirculation off first to cycle stale air out. If you break down, stay with the vehicle or nearby shade, place cones or reflectors in front of it and keep a car charger handy so your phone does not die.
How can you stay safe at your destination during a heat wave?
Staying cool and hydrating frequently are the two most important things once you arrive at your destination.
Vacation behavior can push travelers into risky territory. Spending long hours outside sightseeing, hiking or lounging by the pool, and drinking more alcohol than you would at home, both increase your heat exposure. Keep the buddy system going with your travel group and check in on each other for dizziness, nausea or cool, clammy skin. When you head home, do not walk into a hot house. Cichetti told WGRZ, “If you are traveling, make sure you leave your air conditioning on in your house so you don’t get back to a really hot house, and make sure you pull the shades down so the heat doesn’t get trapped inside your house.” Drawn shades and a running AC also help protect pets, plants and heat-sensitive medications inside while you are away.
This article was created by content specialists using various tools, including AI.
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