The Heat Is on This Summer — Here’s How To Stay Safe, Cool and Collected

It’s been officially summer for less than two weeks, and already, several major heat waves have slammed into America.

In late June, a record-setting heat wave baked the East Coast, bringing Baltimore’s temperature to 105 degrees Fahrenheit for the first time in recorded history. The West Coast saw their first pan-sizzling temperatures for the year all the way back in May, when temperatures in Las Vegas also topped out at 105 degrees. (That kind of heat is less unusual in this desert city, but May is "a bit early" for it, as Brian Hurley, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center, told The New York Times.)

And it’s no surprise. Last year had the fourth-hottest summer on record, according to NOAA, and 2024 as a whole was the warmest we’ve experienced since record-keeping began in 1850. While it’s too early to say if 2025 will set the newest record, it’s "very likely" to be one of the top three warmest years ever, according to Carbon Brief.

And serious heat calls for serious preparation.

Heat isn’t just uncomfortable — it can be dangerous

Most of us know how it feels to be overheated and miserable, sitting idly in front of a fan or sweating through our sheets at night. But high temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable — they can be downright dangerous.

Heatstroke, a dangerous condition that can damage vital organs including the brain, heart and kidneys, according to the Mayo Clinic, can start when body temperatures reach 104 degrees Fahrenheit. Adults over 65, those with chronic illnesses and children are all at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses — a fact that’s led many summer camps to send kids home or bring their activities indoors.

Which is to say, if you live in an area prone to high temperatures — which includes more areas today than in the past — air conditioning (AC) isn’t just a luxury. It could be a health requirement.

While central air conditioning is de rigueur in areas like Florida and Arizona, it may be harder to come by in historically temperate areas like the Pacific Northwest or New England. And even if you have an AC unit, it can be disastrous if it stops working. Extremely high temperatures can tax HVAC systems — and when that happens at scale, it can cause long wait times for repair services. That’s a dangerous cycle that can give heat-related illnesses the perfect window of opportunity to set in.

How to keep yourself safe in record-high temperatures

It’s unfortunate that the proliferation of AC is likely one of the reasons more of us than ever before need air conditioning: It causes about 3% of total greenhouse gas emissions, according to estimates published in Our World in Data.

Still, if you have young children, elderly adults or chronically ill people in your home, it may not be an optional upgrade — and once you do have an HVAC unit, keeping up with regular maintenance is imperative. (You never know when you’re really, really going to need it.)

Homeowners should know that homeowners insurance policies do cover some damages to AC units — though only if the losses are incurred as a result of a "hazard" listed on the policy. Regular wear and tear or accidental damage is not covered, and the average cost of air conditioning maintenance hovers around $250 per incident, according to Angi.

Depending on the type of homeowners insurance you have, your coverage may be fairly robust or fairly minimal. (For instance, HO-1 policies, the most stripped down, cover only 11 specifically listed hazards.)

Along with AC, there are other ways you can make your home cooler and more livable in the summer — including upgrades like energy-efficient doors and windows, light-blocking window coverings and ceiling fans. You may even be able to claim tax deductions or credits for certain types of energy-efficient upgrades, and some types of upgrades (like hurricane-proof windows if you live in Florida) could even help you score homeowners insurance discounts. After all, in a world where half of policyholders are credibly afraid their homes will become uninsurable — in large part because it’s heating up — every little bit of savings counts.

Along with home upgrades, taking care of your body is critical on hot days: Ensure you’re drinking enough water and also getting enough vital salts and electrolytes. Finally, if you’re lucky enough to live close to a swimmable body of water, jumping in is one of the best and most time-honored ways to cool your body and calm your spirit. Happy summer!