Extreme heat often results in the highest annual number of deaths among all weather-related disasters.  Be prepared to beat the heat during beach days, barbecues, concerts, and other outdoor activities.

Before your next summer event, review the warning signs of heat-related illness on the Ready.gov/heat page .

Be prepared to help yourself and others by knowing the signs of heat-related illness and how to respond:

Signs of Heat Exhaustion

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Muscle cramps
• Tiredness
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fainting

What You Should Do:

• Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down.
• Loosen or remove clothing.
• Take a cool bath.
• Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar.
• Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

Signs of Heat Stroke

• Extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)
• Red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Unconsciousness

What You Should Do:

• Call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately.
• Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.

Find more information on extreme heat preparedness at www.ready.gov/heat .

Flash floods happen quickly. Learn how you can prepare in advance.

According to the National Weather Service , the causes of flash flooding include heavy rain, ice, debris jams, and levee or dam failure. These floods exhibit a rapid rise of water over low-lying areas. In some cases, flooding may even occur away from where heavy rain initially fell.

Follow these tips from Ready.gov to make sure you, your family, and your home prepare for a flash flood:

• Visit FEMA's Flood Map Service Center for information on the flood risk in your area. Flooding is by no means limited to floodplains. Where it rains, it can flood. More than 20 percent of National Flood Insurance Program claims are filed for properties outside the high-risk flood area.
• Sign up for your community's warning system . The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
• Monitor potential signs, such as heavy rain, if flash flooding is a risk in your location.
• Learn and practice evacuation routes , shelter plans , and flash flood response.
• Gather supplies now. You may have to leave your home immediately. As you gather supplies, keep in mind each person's specific needs, including medication. Do not forget the needs of pets .
• Obtain extra batteries and charging devices for phones and other critical equipment.
• Purchase or renew a flood insurance policy. It typically takes up to 30 days for a policy to go into effect. Homeowner's policies do not cover flooding. Get flood coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP)
• Keep important documents in a waterproof container, or create password-protected digital copies.
• Protect your property. Move valuables to higher levels. Declutter drains and gutters. Install check valves. Consider a sump pump with a battery.

For more flood safety information, download the How to Prepare for a Flood guide .

As a new semester begins, add fire safety to your college preparation list!

From 2000-2015, the U.S. Fire Administration reports 85 fatal fires in dorms, fraternities, sororities, and off-campus housing. The specific causes of fires in college housing include cooking, candles, smoking, and overloaded power strips. Follow these tips to be fire safe:

• Have a fire escape plan that includes two ways out of every room.
• Use surge protectors or power strips with internal overload protection.
• Never leave a candle unattended.
• Use flameless candles, which are both safe and attractive.
• Keep your cooking area clean and free of anything that can burn.
• Close the door and unplug the unit if a fire starts in your microwave.
• Make sure cigarettes and ashes are out all the way. Put water on the ashes and butts to make sure they are really out before you put them in the trash.

Do not let a campus fire ruin your semester. Take action now, and know how to prevent fires by visiting: 

www.usfa.fema.gov/prevention/outreach/college.html .