North Carolina’s heat season occurs from May through September. As we enter the summer months, here are some ways to prepare your home and church for extreme heat:
Make a Plan
Create a communications plan and discuss it with your family. Identify places in your community where you can stay cool, such as libraries, shopping centers, etc. For cooling center information, contact NC 211 to find centers in your area. Include a list of emergency contacts, set meet-up locations, and make arrangements for your pets.
Stay up to date with weather updates and information from emergency officials. The NC Department of Health and Human Services offers a Heat Health Alert System with updates on forecasted extreme heat.
View Warm Weather Pet Safety Tips from the American Veterinary Medical Association→
Download a Local Church Disaster Plan Template→
Download a Contact Card Template→
Build a Kit
Create or update an emergency kit. Include food and water for each family member, pet supplies, and a first aid kit. You may also include sunscreen, hats, drinks with electrolytes, or cool, lightweight clothing.
Operation Fan Heat Relief is a “summer program intended to provide a more comfortable living environment and reduce heat-related illnesses for older adults and adults with disabilities.” The program runs from May 1 to October 31. Learn more about the program and view a list of local providers.
Visit the American Red Cross, FEMA, or ReadyNC website for a list of items to include in your kit and view NC VOAD’s Preparation Checklist for Older Adults (Spanish PDF).
Prepare Your Home & Church
Weatherize your home or church to keep cool during heat waves. Covering windows with drapes or shades, weather strip doors and windows, or window reflectors are a few ways to help keep the heat out and the cool air in.
The Department of Social Services offers a Crisis Intervention Program that “helps assist individuals and families who are experiencing a heating or cooling-related crisis.”
Resources
View our preparation page for more resources on individual and church preparation.
View additional resources to learn more about extreme heat and how to prepare:
- American Red Cross
- Heat Action Plan Toolkit (NC Office of Recovery and Resiliency)
- National Weather Service
- Ready.gov
- ReadyNC
View and download flyers about extreme heat to share with your congregation or hand out at community events:
Work Safely in Heat (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)→ (View PDF | View Spanish PDF)