Purpose
Use this guide to get started in protecting your patients from hot weather.
Get started protecting your patients from hot weather
Use this guide to get started in protecting your patients from hot weather.
- Assess your patient’s risk factors for heat impacts on their health.
Use the HEAT questionnaire to ask about:
Housing and Indoor Environment (e.g., air conditioning, stable housing)
Emergency Preparedness (e.g., someone to check on them)
Awareness of Health Risks (e.g., knowledge of medications and heat)
Temperature and Outdoor Environment (e.g., how much time spent outdoors)
- Teach your patients how to know when heat is dangerous to their health.
- Teach your patients how to use the HeatRisk Tool.
- Remind your patients how to use the Air Quality Index and explain how poor air quality can make heat risk worse.
- Educate your patients on steps they can take using a Heat Action Plan.
- Review steps to stay cool, stay hydrated, and know how to recognize heat-related symptoms.
- Help your patients understand what to do when air quality is poor.
- Review medications and develop a medication plan for hot days.
Content Source:
National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH)