Before

  • Stay informed of potential extreme heat by following local weather news. In particular, be sure to track the heat index and not just the raw temperature.
  • Ensure that blinds or other sun shields are in use.
  • Stock up on sun mitigation essentials like bottled water and sunblock.
  • Identify backup locations you can go to for cooling measures in the event of a power failure.

During

If an extreme heat alert is issued, take the following steps to protect yourself:

  • Limit exposure to outdoor activities and events.
  • Ensure you are properly hydrating and taking time to recover and cool down if outdoor activity is unavoidable.
  • Avoid drinking caffeine and other dehydrating beverages.
  • Keep track of outdoor temperatures and personal comfort levels to know what temperatures feel too hot.
  • If outdoors, stay in the shade as much as possible.
  • Call 911 if you begin to develop symptoms of significant dehydration.
  • In the event that demand for cooling via Duke’s chilled water system begins to exceed capacity, Duke may have to take groups of buildings off the system for a limited amount of time, leading to a loss of cooling.
  • Relocate to buildings with working air conditioning if necessary.

After

  • Restock any used supplies as you return to normal operations.
  • Ensure any heat-related workplace injuries are reported to OESO.
  • Continue to monitor temperatures and the heat index.

Additional Resources