- Stay informed, and know heat terminology:
- Heat Wave—An extended period of extreme heat, usually combined with excessive humidity.
- Heat Index—A number of degrees in Fahrenheit (F) added to the air temperature that tells how hot it feels with the relative humidity.
- Excessive Heat Watch—Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local Excessive Heat Warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.
- Excessive Heat Warning—Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least two days (daytime highs=105-110° Fahrenheit).
- Heat Advisory—Heat Index values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for one to two days (daytime highs=100-105° Fahrenheit).
- Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.
- Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas, due to stagnant and poor air quality, as well as stored heat in asphalt and concrete.
- Make a plan to keep you and your family safe from the effects of extreme heat.
- Make sure you have a fan, snugly fit window air conditioner, or something to circulate air in extreme heat as many heat-related deaths can be attributed to stagnant atmospheric conditions or poor air quality.
- Insulate air ducts and weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, etc.
- Keep storm windows up year round.
- Understand that elderly, young, sick, and overweight individuals are at greater risk, and learn first aid to help treat heat-related emergencies.
- Build an emergency kit.
NOTE: Per MARADMIN 111/15, “Officers, staff noncommissioned officers, noncommissioned officers and other supervisors shall ensure Marines, Sailors, and civilian personnel are familiar with heat and cold stress injury prevention."
Flag Condition Information