Preparing a home for a heat wave means reducing heat gain, confirming cooling and ventilation work, and having a plan for a power outage. Do the work before the hottest days: clean filters, create shade, identify the coolest room, and know where to go if the home cannot stay at a safe temperature.
Check cooling equipment, filters, and drains before the heat arrives
Test the system ahead of time, replace a dirty filter, and make sure air intakes and outlets are clear. Equipment that is already noisy, leaking water, or unable to reach temperature needs service before several days of maximum demand.
Reduce direct sun during the hottest hours
Close blinds or curtains on sunny windows and use safe exterior shading where available. Ventilate at night only when outdoor air is actually cooler and window security allows it.
Plan for a power outage
Charge backup batteries, keep flashlights available, and know local cooling centers or other cool places. Ready.gov recommends finding a cooling option when air conditioning is unavailable and never leaving people or pets in a closed vehicle.
Limit heat generated indoors
Avoid using the oven and other high-heat equipment during the hottest hours when practical. Cook with lower-heat methods, move laundry to cooler times, and keep drinking water available for household members.
Sources
- Ready.gov — Extreme Heat — Home preparation for extreme heat, cooling, outages, and reducing heat exposure.