The National Weather Service announced today that “dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected this week across a large portion of the nation.” Parts of east Texas, eastern Oklahoma and northern Louisiana, along with much of Arkansas, are currently under a heat advisory. Heat kills more people than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, earthquakes and floods, according to the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention.

To help Americans stay safe during extreme heat, FEMA urges residents to consider taking the following actions in affected areas:  

•     Postpone outdoor games and activities and limit exposure to the sun.

•     Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine; limit alcoholic beverage intake.

•     Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothing.

•     Spend the warmest part of the day in temperature-controlled buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls, or community facilities.

•     Check on family, friends, and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

FEMA also urges residents to download and use the free FEMA app, which provides valuable safety tips to help families prepare for and recover from more than 20 natural and man-made hazards. The FEMA app enables users to receive weather alerts from the National Weather Service for up to five locations across the nation, making it easy to follow severe weather that may be threatening family and friends.  The app also provides family communication plans, customizable checklist of emergency supplies, and maps of open shelters and disaster recovery centers. The app is available on the Apple App Store and on Google Play.