The apartment may be dangerously hot
Very high indoor heat or symptoms of heat illness call for cooling and health action now, not a product-comparison project.
Why this result fits
- The indoor temperature is around 90°F or higher, or the space is not cooling overnight.
- Someone has confusion, fainting, severe weakness, vomiting, or other concerning symptoms.
- A child, older adult, pregnant person, or someone with a chronic condition may be especially vulnerable.
What to do now
Move to air conditioning
Go to an air-conditioned room, trusted location, library, cooling center, or other safer place. Call 2-1-1 or the local health department if you need help locating one.
Respond to symptoms
Call 911 for confusion, loss of consciousness, seizure, or suspected heat stroke. Follow current medical guidance for other concerning symptoms.
Cool and hydrate
Use cool wet cloths or a cool shower and sip water when the person is awake and able to drink. Do not rely on a fan when indoor temperature is above 90°F.
Notify building management
Report failed building cooling, unsafe indoor temperature, or an electrical problem through the urgent maintenance channel.
Stop and escalate if
- Anyone becomes confused, faints, has a seizure, or cannot safely drink.
- The space cannot be cooled and no safe alternative location is available.
- Cooling equipment smells hot, sparks, trips breakers, or has a damaged cord.
What not to do
- Do not treat a fan as adequate cooling above 90°F.
- Do not use an oven or improvised electrical setup.
- Do not place an air conditioner on an extension cord or overloaded power strip.
Message you can send to maintenance
Urgent: the apartment is approximately [temperature]°F at [time], and [cooling system/AC] is not reducing the temperature. [People at higher risk/symptoms] are present. We are moving to a cooler location and need an urgent response.
Help prevent a repeat
- Keep a written heat plan and identify a nearby air-conditioned location.
- Report unreliable building cooling before forecast extreme heat.
If this does not match
Sources and review date
- About Heat and Your Health — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Content last reviewed: under the Apartmentwise methodology.