Even with a fast emergency response, you may have a few hours in a hot house. A handful of steps make that wait safer, especially for older adults, infants, and anyone with a chronic illness.
Find cooled air. If indoor temperatures are rising, the safest option is to leave for somewhere air-conditioned — a public cooling center (often a library, mall, recreation center, or community building), a relative's home, or any open business. To locate one, dial 2-1-1 or check your local health department or news. Use fans carefully: a fan helps below about 90°F indoors, but the CDC warns that above that temperature a fan blows hot air and can actually raise body temperature rather than cool you.
Slow the heat gain and stay hydrated. Close blinds and curtains on sun-facing windows, avoid using the oven, move to the lowest floor, and drink water regularly rather than waiting until you're thirsty. Take a cool shower or apply damp cloths to the neck and wrists. Check on the vulnerable: phone or visit elderly neighbors and relatives, who may not realize how hot they've gotten. And know the line to stop waiting: if the indoor temperature keeps climbing and anyone shows heat-exhaustion signs (dizziness, nausea, heavy sweating, weakness), relocate to a cool place now — and if there's confusion, fainting, or hot, dry skin, call 911. The repair can wait; a person overheating cannot.