Coping With Heat Waves and Wildfires

According to the U.S. Global Change Research Program, heat waves are occurring more often than before—increasing from more than two heat waves per year during the 1960s to more than six per year during the 2020s. Heat waves, or extreme heat events, are unusually high temperatures for an extended period that can cause illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, especially among vulnerable groups, including children, older adults, those who are pregnant, and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Increasing extreme heat events can lead to heat-related illnesses and deaths, particularly among those unprepared.

Preparing for Heat Waves

Preparation is key to reducing the impact of heat waves. Protect yourself and your loved ones with mitigating measures. For example:

• Drink water and consume easy-to-digest foods like fruits and salads (they are rich in water content and can provide nutrients. They also help you stay cool and energized).
• Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing to help reflect heat.
• Avoid going outside during peak heat hours or minimize strenuous outdoor activities like exercise.
• Avoid direct sun exposure because sunburn reduces the body’s ability to cool down.
• Stay cool in air-conditioned environments like shopping malls, libraries, or homes.
• Take cool showers or baths to help lower body temperature.
• Check on at-risk individuals to ensure they are staying cool and are safe.
• Do not leave children, pets, or electronics in parked vehicles.

Extremely high temperatures are a common cause of heat illnesses and wildfires. High temperatures, for example, can dry out trees, shrubs, and grasses, creating conditions advantageous for fires to ignite and quickly spread. Wildfires are typically categorized as unplanned and unpredictable fires in areas of combustible vegetation (such as forests) and are extremely dangerous, often uncontrollable, and can worsen air quality (impacting a person’s respiratory and cardiovascular systems), and destroy wildlife, natural areas, homes, and communities.

This destructive scenario was the case with the series of wildfires that erupted on Jan. 7, 2025, and roared across Southern California. Believed by officials to be fueled by a combination of extreme weather, powerful winds, and drought-like conditions, the wildfires caused at least twenty-seven deaths; destroyed more than twelve thousand structures, including houses and mobile homes, schools, libraries, and vehicles; and contributed to an untold amount of injuries to residents and first responders. When measured by the number of buildings destroyed, these recent wildfires are among the most destructive in Los Angeles history.

Preparing for Wildfires

As with heat waves, preventative measures are available to help mitigate wildfire risks, injuries, and deaths. For example:

• Remain aware of evacuation orders and air quality updates from local news sources and authorities.
• Establish a designated room that can be sealed off from outside air, using a portable air cleaner to maintain indoor air quality.
• Create an emergency evacuation plan that pinpoints exactly how everyone, including pets, should safely exit the home.
• Review and update important documents, such as insurance documents and passports, and store physical and digital copies securely.
• Maintain a clear zone around the property by removing leaves, debris, and flammable items and using fire-resistant materials.
• Prepare an emergency supply kit with first aid and other safety items like face masks.
• Keep mobile devices, portable batteries, and power sources charged.

Moreover, follow local instructions for returning home after a wildfire to avoid hazards like hot ash and unstable structures. During cleanup, wet down debris to reduce particles in the air; wear a respirator to minimize dust inhalation; and wear protective clothing, including long sleeves, pants, and gloves. Remember to take pictures of any property damage and contact your insurance provider for assistance. Lastly, to help lessen the mental toll of experiencing a profoundly disruptive situation, seek support—whether in the form of formal therapy, talking with family or friends, or talking with a group of people who have lived through a similar experience.

Both heat waves and wildfires require awareness and preparation to ensure safety and minimize damage and deaths. By taking precautionary steps, the likelihood of reacting effectively to these weather-related challenges increases while the likelihood of experiencing injuries and any other negative consequences decreases.