Veterans Extreme Heat Safety: Risks & Protection

Extreme Heat Warning for Veterans: Risks, Safety, and Resources

An extreme heat warning is issued when the Heat Index is expected to reach 105°F or higher for at least two consecutive days. For veterans, especially those with cardiometabolic conditions like heart disease or diabetes, extreme heat can be life-threatening. A UCLA study found veterans with these conditions face a 10% to 14% higher risk of death on extreme heat days, with homeless veterans experiencing a 25% higher risk and those in disadvantaged neighborhoods facing a 44% greater risk. Stay indoors in air conditioning, drink water before you feel thirsty, and check on at-risk veterans in your community.

Quick Facts

Why Extreme Heat Is Especially Dangerous for Veterans

Extreme heat events (EHEs) are periods when temperatures are significantly higher than typical for a region. Veterans are particularly vulnerable to these events for several reasons.

Veterans Are Older and Sicker

The average veteran is older and has higher rates of chronic health conditions than the general population. Common conditions include:

• Hypertension (high blood pressure)

• Diabetes

• Ischemic heart disease

• Congestive heart failure

• Chronic kidney disease

• Stroke

• Peripheral artery disease

These conditions make it harder for the body to adapt to heat stress. Extreme heat forces the body to work harder to cool itself, increasing cardiac workload and risk of heart attack and kidney injury.

Medications Increase Risk

Many veterans take medications that can amplify the effects of heat, including:

• Blood pressure medications (diuretics reduce fluid, beta-blockers reduce sweating)

• Psychiatric medications (some interfere with temperature regulation)

• Diabetes medications (can affect hydration status)

Homelessness and Heat Exposure

Veterans experiencing unsheltered homelessness face the greatest danger. Without access to air conditioning or cooling shelters, they endure extended hours in direct sunlight and sleep in tents or vehicles that trap heat.

Urban Heat Islands

Veterans living in low-income urban areas face additional risk due to the “urban heat island” effect—dense, built environments with less green space trap and absorb heat, creating significantly higher temperatures than surrounding areas.

The Science: What the UCLA-VA Study Found

A landmark study published in JAMA Network Open analyzed data from 13,556 California veterans with cardiometabolic conditions who died between 2016 and 2021.

Key Findings

Overall mortality risk: Veterans had 10% to 14% higher odds of dying on extreme heat days compared to cooler days.

Homeless veterans: 25% higher risk of death on extreme heat days vs. 12% for housed veterans.

Disadvantaged neighborhoods: Veterans in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods faced 44% greater odds of death on extreme heat days vs. 12% in more affluent areas.

Multiple-day heat waves: At the 95th percentile threshold, veterans had:

• 11% higher odds of mortality with same-day events

• 10% higher odds with 2-day events

• 14% higher odds with 3-day events

The researchers concluded: “Given the projected increase in EHEs as global average temperatures rise, the VA and other integrated healthcare systems must develop heat preparedness and response plans to protect people from heat-related morbidity and mortality”.

Extreme Heat Health Risks: Know the Signs

Heat Exhaustion

Symptoms:

• Heavy sweating

• Weakness or fatigue

• Dizziness or fainting

• Nausea or vomiting

• Headache

• Muscle cramps

• Cool, pale, clammy skin

• Fast, weak pulse

What to do: Move to a cool place, loosen clothing, sip water. If vomiting continues or symptoms last more than one hour, seek medical help.

Heat Stroke (Medical Emergency)

Symptoms:

• Body temperature of 103°F or higher

• Hot, red, dry, or damp skin

• Fast, strong pulse

• Confusion or altered mental state

• Slurred speech

• Seizures

• Loss of consciousness

What to do: Call 911 immediately. While waiting, move the person to a cooler place, remove excess clothing, and cool them with cold cloths or a cold bath. Do NOT give fluids.

Heat Sensitivity as a VA Claim

Some veterans experience heat sensitivity as a residual condition following a service-connected heatstroke. VA claims have recognized that residual symptoms can include headaches, light sensitivity, nausea, and intolerance to high temperatures.

10 Steps to Stay Safe During Extreme Heat

1. Stay in Air Conditioning

The single most important thing you can do during extreme heat is stay in an air-conditioned space. If you don’t have AC at home, find a cooling center, library, shopping mall, or public building. Even a few hours in AC can help your body recover.

2. Drink Plenty of Fluids

Drink water before you feel thirsty—thirst is a sign your body is already dehydrated. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks, which can increase dehydration. For outdoor activity, consider electrolyte drinks to replace lost salts.

3. Plan Outdoor Activities Carefully

Schedule exercise and outdoor work for early morning or evening when temperatures are cooler. Avoid midday hours when heat, humidity, and pollution are at their worst.

4. Use VA Virtual Care Tools

VA offers four virtual care tools to help veterans stay safe:

• Annie for Veterans: Text “SUB BODY” to 75338 for reminders to work out in cooler hours

• Live Whole Health app: Set and track hydration and health goals

• VA Health Chat: Get quick answers from VA staff about heat’s health effects

• MOVE! Coach app: Find aquatic workouts to exercise safely in pools

5. Wear Appropriate Clothing

Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Light colors reflect sunlight while dark colors absorb it. Wear sunscreen and a hat when outdoors.

6. Take Cool Showers or Baths

Cooling yourself down with cool (not cold) water helps reduce core body temperature. Avoid cold water, which can cause shivering and actually increase body heat.

7. Check on At-Risk Veterans

If you know a veteran who is older, has health conditions, or experiences homelessness, check on them. Offer to help them get to a cooling center, provide water, or connect them with services.

8. Never Leave Anyone in a Parked Car

Temperatures inside a parked car can rise to deadly levels within minutes—even with windows cracked. Never leave children, pets, or anyone else in a car during extreme heat.

9. Use Cooling Supplies

If you’re without AC, use battery-operated fans, cooling towels, and spray bottles. Ice packs applied to the neck, armpits, or groin can help cool you quickly.

10. Recognize Heat Illness Early

If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or experience a headache, get to a cool place immediately. Don’t push through—heat exhaustion can progress to heat stroke rapidly.

Help Veterans Experiencing Homelessness

Extreme heat is a life-threatening emergency for unsheltered veterans. Here’s how you can help:

Donate Supplies

• Frozen bottled water and sports drinks

• Sunscreen and SPF lip balm

• Sun hats, visors, and umbrellas

• Cooling towels and bandanas

• Lightweight, breathable clothing

• Portable fans

• Sleeping mats, new socks, hygiene kits

Support Cooling Access

Encourage local businesses, libraries, and faith-based organizations to:

• Extend hours into evenings and weekends

• Provide seating, water, and charging stations

• Share information about cooling centers

• Offer free or reduced admission to community pools

Volunteer at Stand Down Events

Stand Downs connect veterans experiencing homelessness with housing, healthcare, benefits assistance, and supplies all in one location. Search for Stand Down events in your area to volunteer.

Contact the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans

Call 877-424-3838 any time, day or night. The center can connect homeless or at-risk veterans with local services, including help finding cooling centers.

Common Questions

1. When is an extreme heat warning issued?

An extreme heat warning is issued when the Heat Index is expected to reach 105°F or higher for at least two consecutive days. The actual temperature threshold can vary by region.

2. Why are veterans at higher risk during extreme heat?

Veterans tend to be older, have higher rates of heart disease and diabetes, and take medications that can amplify heat’s effects. Many also experience homelessness or live in low-income urban areas that trap heat.

3. What are the signs of heat stroke?

Signs include body temperature of 103°F or higher, hot red skin, confusion, slurred speech, seizures, and loss of consciousness. Heat stroke is a medical emergency—call 911 immediately.

4. What should I do if I see a homeless veteran in extreme heat?

Offer water, help them find a cooling center, or call the National Call Center for Homeless Veterans at 877-424-3838. Consider donating hydration and cooling supplies to local outreach programs.

5. Can extreme heat affect my VA disability claim?

Yes. Some veterans have successfully claimed heat sensitivity as a residual condition following a service-connected heatstroke. Residual symptoms can include headaches, light sensitivity, and nausea.

6. What VA apps can help me stay safe in the heat?

VA offers Annie for Veterans (text reminders to exercise in cooler hours), Live Whole Health (track hydration), VA Health Chat (get health answers), and MOVE! Coach (find aquatic workouts).

7. How much water should I drink in extreme heat?

Drink water before you feel thirsty. For outdoor activity, drink 8-16 ounces of water every 30 minutes. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and sugary drinks. Consider electrolyte drinks if sweating heavily.

8. What is the urban heat island effect?

Urban heat islands are areas in dense cities where buildings, roads, and other infrastructure absorb and trap heat, making them significantly hotter than surrounding rural areas. Veterans in low-income urban areas face greater risk.

9. Does the VA provide help for veterans without air conditioning?

The VA recommends cooling centers, libraries, and other air-conditioned public spaces. The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (877-424-3838) can connect veterans with local resources.

10. Are veterans in northern states safe from extreme heat?

No. VA research found heat-related illnesses increasing in nearly every state, including northern states. Northern residents may be less prepared for extreme heat, potentially increasing risk.

11. What is the VA doing about extreme heat risks?

The VA has published major research on heat-related illness trends, expanded homeless outreach programs, and is developing virtual care tools to help veterans stay safe. Researchers urge the VA to develop comprehensive heat preparedness plans.

12. Can I exercise outside during extreme heat?

Exercise outside in early morning or evening only. Avoid midday hours. Use VA’s virtual care tools to stay safe, and if you experience pain or unusual symptoms, use VA Health Chat to talk with a professional. For urgent symptoms, call 911.

Key Takeaways

• Extreme heat warnings mean the Heat Index will hit 105°F+ for two or more consecutive days

• Veterans face a 10-14% higher mortality risk on extreme heat days, with higher risk for those with heart disease, diabetes, and homelessness

• Homeless veterans have a 25% higher death risk during extreme heat than housed veterans

• Veterans in disadvantaged neighborhoods face 44% higher odds of death on extreme heat days

• Stay in air conditioning, drink fluids before thirst, and avoid outdoor activity during midday heat

• VA virtual care tools (Annie, Live Whole Health, VA Health Chat, MOVE! Coach) help veterans exercise safely and stay hydrated

• The National Call Center for Homeless Veterans (877-424-3838) connects at-risk veterans with cooling centers and services

• Heat illness can be claimed as a VA condition—veterans with service-connected heatstroke may have residual heat sensitivity

• VA research shows heat-related illnesses are rising, and healthcare systems must develop heat preparedness plans

• Check on older, homeless, and medically vulnerable veterans during extreme heat

Official Resources

• VA Heat Safety Tips: www.va.gov/albany-health-care/stories/heat-advisory-for-upstate-ny/

• VA Connected Care (Virtual Tools): www.connectedcare.va.gov

• National Call Center for Homeless Veterans: 877-424-3838

• CDC Extreme Heat Guide: www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/index.html

• National Weather Service Heat Safety: www.weather.gov/safety/heat

• VA Health Chat: available through VA App Store, Apple App Store, or Google Play

• Annie for Veterans: text “SUB BODY” to 75338