Heat Wave Safety: Stay Cool and Prevent Heat Illness

Short answer: When temperatures soar for an extended period, especially during high temperatures, people often experience dizziness, weakness, and lethargy, making them incredibly uncomfortable. Along with these signs of exhaustion, individuals might also suffer from heat cramps or heat rash. More serious heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or even the deadly heat stroke can occur if the heatwave escalates to a heat advisory or heat emergency. Heatwaves pose serious health risks, including heat-related deaths, especially for vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Understanding the health hazards associated with extreme heat, as indicated by the heat index, is crucial for avoiding life-threatening situations.

When temperatures soar for an extended period, especially during high temperatures, people often experience dizziness, weakness, and lethargy, making them incredibly uncomfortable. Along with these signs of exhaustion, individuals might also suffer from heat cramps or heat rash. More serious heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion or even the deadly heat stroke can occur if the heatwave escalates to a heat advisory or heat emergency. Heatwaves pose serious health risks, including heat-related deaths, especially for vulnerable individuals such as the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. Understanding the health hazards associated with extreme heat, as indicated by the heat index, is crucial for avoiding life-threatening situations. It becomes critical to stay indoors or find shade, hydrate, and cool down to stave off sunburn among other heat-related illnesses. It’s equally important to have reliable air conditioning services to protect yourself and your loved ones.

Staying Cool: An Urgent Necessity

Heat in Las Vegas can climb quickly and stay high for days. Temperatures routinely top 100 F in Summerlin, Henderson, and downtown, and the city’s dry air increases how fast the body loses moisture. Staying cool is not only about comfort, it prevents heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Practical, proven ways homeowners in Las Vegas stay safe:

Set thermostats to a safe, steady indoor temperature. For most people, 76 to 78 F provides protection while saving energy. Avoid constantly raising and lowering the thermostat.
Use ceiling or portable fans to help evaporate sweat, but only when air temperature is lower than skin temperature or you are in a cooled space.
Block afternoon sun with reflective blinds, blackout curtains, or exterior shades on west- and south-facing windows common in Summerlin and Henderson homes.
Schedule outdoor work for early morning or after sunset; limit yard work during peak heat (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.).

Quick Tips for Immediate Cooling

Move to the coolest room and remove excess clothing.
Apply cool, wet cloths to the neck and wrists for quick relief.
Take a cool shower or bath if you feel faint or overheated.

Consider community cooling centers or malls when temperatures exceed 105 F, especially for elderly neighbors or those without AC.
If your AC stops working, call same-day service right away to avoid dangerous indoor temperatures (see our guide on same-day AC repair in Las Vegas).

Dehydration: A Silent Menace

Las Vegas’s dry desert climate means you can become dehydrated faster than in humid places. Normal daily water needs increase during heatwaves, particularly if you are active outdoors. Concrete hydration guidance:

Adults: drink at least 8 to 12 cups (64 to 96 ounces) of fluids daily in normal weather; increase intake by 20 to 50 percent during hot spells or if you exercise.
Children and older adults need closer monitoring. Elderly people may not feel thirsty even when dehydrated.
Replace electrolytes when sweating heavily. Use sports drinks with electrolytes for prolonged outdoor work or exercise, or add an electrolyte tablet to water.

Signs of Dehydration to Watch For

Dark urine, infrequent urination, dry mouth, dizziness, or confusion.
Rapid heartbeat or fainting. If someone shows severe symptoms or altered mental status, call 911.

Hydration Checklist

Keep a filled water pitcher in the fridge for quick access.
Carry a reusable bottle and sip regularly during walks or errands in North Las Vegas or on the Strip.
Avoid alcohol and high-caffeine drinks during extreme heat, they can increase fluid loss.

Respiratory Challenges in the Heat

Heatwaves often coincide with higher ozone and smog levels in the Las Vegas Valley, which can worsen asthma and COPD. Hot air also carries more dust and pollen from surrounding desert and construction sites. Practical steps to protect breathing:

Stay indoors with filtered AC when air quality alerts are issued. Nevada Division of Air Quality posts local alerts for the valley - check them on high heat days.
Use higher-grade HVAC filters (MERV 8-13) compatible with your system to reduce particles. For severe respiratory issues, consider HEPA-grade portable air cleaners in bedrooms.
Keep windows and doors closed during dust storms or high ozone days, which are common in eastern Las Vegas neighborhoods near industrial corridors.

Maintenance Steps That Help Air Quality

Replace HVAC filters monthly during the summer or sooner if you see dust buildup.
Consider inspecting or replacing old ductwork if you see uneven cooling, visible dust or mold. Learn more about duct replacement considerations and costs.
For persistent respiratory symptoms tied to indoor air, consult your physician and schedule an HVAC inspection for improved filtration and sealing.

AC Services: A Lifeline for Heart Health

Las Vegas Home Cooling Checklist: Prep Your AC for a Heatwave

Prevention reduces emergency calls and keeps your family safer during multi-day heat events.

Two weeks before summer:
Schedule a professional tune-up.
Inspect and replace disposable filters. Use the highest MERV rating your system supports.
Clean vents and return grilles.

Daily during heatwaves:
Set thermostat to a consistent level; avoid frequent changes.
Run ceiling fans to circulate cooled air in occupied rooms.
Close blinds during peak sun hours in east- and west-facing rooms.

If your system struggles or stops:
Check the breaker panel for tripped breakers and reset if safe.
Turn off the outdoor unit for 30 minutes, then turn it back on to attempt a restart.
If still not working, call emergency HVAC service.

When to Consider Replacement

Age over 12 years and frequent repairs.
Rising repair costs near the replacement price. Review cost ranges for full HVAC replacement before deciding.
Poor humidity control and uneven cooling despite repairs.

Keep this checklist on your fridge so family members know actions during extreme heat.

People with heart disease are especially vulnerable to heat. Overheating increases cardiac workload, and some cardiovascular medications reduce heat tolerance. Keeping a reliable, well-maintained AC system is a key life-safety step in Las Vegas summers. What to expect from professional AC care:

The Cooling Company’s NATE-certified technicians perform seasonal tune-ups: clean coils, check refrigerant, inspect electricals, and test airflow. Regular service reduces breakdown risk and improves efficiency.
Watch for warning signs your system needs service: warm air, poor airflow, unusual noises, short cycling, or rising energy bills.
If your system fails during a heatwave, call for emergency help. We offer same-day AC repair to restore safe indoor temperatures quickly.

Homeowner Actions Before a Technician Arrives

Turn the thermostat to an energy-saving but safe setting (around 78 F) and switch fan to "auto."
Clear 2-3 feet of space around outdoor condenser units in backyard yards common in Summerlin or Henderson.
Change the air filter; if you don’t know the last change date, replace it before service to improve airflow.

If your AC is very old or repeatedly fails, ask about replacement options and costs. We can provide honest estimates and discuss options including high-efficiency units and heat pumps. See our full HVAC installation cost guide for details.

Safety Warning

Never try to recharge refrigerant yourself. Improper handling risks injury and environmental harm. Call a licensed professional.

How to Recognize and Respond to Heat Stroke

Heat stroke is a medical emergency. Rapid recognition and immediate action can save a life.

Signs of heat stroke:
Body temperature above 104 F
Confusion, agitation, slurred speech, or loss of consciousness
Hot, dry skin or profuse sweating followed by dry skin
Seizures or fainting

Immediate Actions

Call 911 immediately if you suspect heat stroke.
Move the person to a shaded or air-conditioned area.
Rapidly cool the person: remove outer clothing, sponge with cool water, apply cold packs to armpits and groin, or immerse in a cool bath if available.
Do not give aspirin or acetaminophen for heat stroke. Do not force fluids if the person is confused or vomiting.

For high-risk households (elderly, infants, people on heart or psychiatric medications), prepare an emergency plan and identify nearby cooling centers or homes with reliable AC ahead of heatwave season.

Related service: Need AC service in Las Vegas? Explore our AC repair and AC maintenance services for Las Vegas homeowners.

Need HVAC Service in Las Vegas?

The Cooling Company provides expert HVAC service throughout Las Vegas, Henderson, and North Las Vegas. Our licensed technicians deliver honest assessments, upfront pricing, and reliable results.

Call (702) 567-0707 or visit AC repair, maintenance, heating, or installation for details.