If you are reading this, you already know that extreme heat is present worldwide. In America heat is the deadliest weather hazard. It is quieter than a tornado, slower than a hurricane and without obvious property damage. Extreme heat causes many health problems including dehydration, heat stroke, and heat exhaustion. In addition, it can affect family communication issues due to power outages impacting cell towers and also impacting your family’s everyday use of kitchen appliances. Need more evidence? Here is what is happening right now in 2026:
- France recently recorded around 1,000 additional deaths due to extreme heat.
- Deaths surged 29% in France during one week of record heat.
- In the U.S. heat waves threatens oppressive temperatures.
- A United Nations agency says, “Next 5 years will smash heat records”.
- Heat wave continuously grips the Midwest United States.
If your family has a “We’ll figure it out” attitude towards extreme heat, you are unprepared for what happens the rest of this summer and for the next predicted five summers. Yet, a practical preparation plan can prevent illness and deaths for you and your family. Here are a few suggestions on what you need to do to prepare for the safety and comfort of your family:
- Have non-perishable foods on hand that do not require cooking. Ready to eat items like freeze-dried fruits, tuna, nut butter, crackers, and other shelf stable proteins.
- Have alternative light sources on hand. These include candles, flashlights, heat lamps, solar powered lights, etc.
- Buy extra batteries and stock up on them now so that when the power goes out, your family has a backup plan.
- Use outdoor grills to cook or use foods where you just need to add water. Cook those foods on a camp stove.
- Use battery powered fans with a damp cloth on your neck.
- Close the blinds in your home or apartment.
- If you can afford it, buy alternate power sources like solar panels.
The number one resource your family should prepare to have on hand is water solution options. Water regulates your body temperature and since your body uses 8-12 cups of water each day, it is crucial to replenish your water supply daily. Here are some suggestions:
- Emergency Water Pouch Case Pack (64 pouches). Available at My Patriot Supply. https://www.mypatriotsupply.com/cdn/shop/files/Drinking-Water-02.jpg?v=1757440419&width=5000
- Survival straws water filter by Aquamira. Available as 1 straw for $25 or 4 straws for $99.96. https://www.mypatriotsupply.com/products/aquamira-survival-straw?variant=43768698470493.
- Water filtration bottle by Aquamira. Available for $40 and is a portable solution. https://www.mypatriotsupply.com/products/g2o-water-bottle.
- Alexapure Pitcher Water Filter. Available for $70. 10-cup capacity. https://www.mypatriotsupply.com/products/alexapure-pitcher-water-filter?variant=6326314958875.
- Emergency Water Bank bathtub water storage kit. For $35 you can store 65 gallons of clean water in your bathtub. https://www.mypatriotsupply.com/products/alexapure-emergency-water-bank?variant=39410567413853.
The risks associated with extreme heat can be critical. Heat exhaustion can be treated, and most people can recover within an hour. However, heat stroke is more severe and requires a medical emergency. Your family must consider preparation options for extreme weather, not only this summer, but for the next five summers and beyond. We encourage you to investigate some of our recommendations in this post and/or checkout out our Power Outage Tiny Course and our Shelter in Place Tiny Course. Each course is only $27 and an inexpensive solution to beating the extreme heat.