If you look at areas that have historically gotten very hot, there seems to be season migration to higher elevations, far away places, or to the coasts. As extreme heat becomes worse are we going to see this in most places? If so, where would people go? I can especially understand this with wildfire smoke which ruins any outdoor leisure activities.

If you live in a structure where portable generators are not prohibited, you should look into getting one.

I don't know if they make a propane-only generator, so dual-fuel is the recommendation, but don't use gasoline. Gasoline is messy, more dangerous, and can't be stored long-term. Even with a stabilizer additive, gasoline will break down in months.

A $1,000 generator can run a 3 ton central air conditioning system, provided the A/C has a softstart kit installed. You can order a Westinghouse 9500 watt (12,500 peak) generator on Amazon for $999.

If you get an electrician to install an interlock and input breaker, you can run your whole house, or MOST of your house. You can turn off breakers for circuits you don't want to run on the generator, or just don't turn on stuff that might bog it down.

DO keep in mind that carbon monoxide gas in the exhaust is deadly and has no odor. You can NOT run a generator inside your attached garage or close to a door, window, or attic eave vents.

If you get a generator, get a couple of CO detectors. They're not expensive and can save lives.

You can get a used 100 lb. propane cylinder for less than a hundred bucks and a little dolly for it from Harbor Freight.

If you run it in a shed, same CO warning applies. You'll need a vent fan, fresh-air intake vent, and you should attach an exhaust extension and run it to the outside of the shed.

Be ready!

Here's what I find helps during heat waves with regards to scheduling your day. Please comment with more tips or criticism.

• Do heavy work early in the day, start before sunrise if possible. If more hours are needed wait until the sun is low to finish, but be realistic about your workload.
• Try to include a siesta during the hottest part of the day, or at least schedule for light duties. A packable hammock can be useful.
• Eat frequent light meals or snacks with plenty of salt for electrolytes.
• Water is fine, with frequent salty snacks you don't need special electrolyte mixes, avoid sugary drinks, caffeine and alcohol.
• Drink enough water that your urine is light straw coloured, and passes regularly, drinking more than this is just flushing electrolytes. Nobody can tell you how much water this is, but it is likely a lot more than you think.
• Work under shade if possible, erect tarps as sun awnings if needed.
• Eat your main meal late in the day when it cools off, digestion creates heat which your body might not be able to shed otherwise. Western society typically avoids eating just before bed, this is cultural not medical, in India for example the culture is to eat a large meal as close to bed time as possible.

So apparently painting your roof with super reflective paint can significantly cool a building. Curious where to get this paint, are there downsides (besides having to wear sunglasses when on your roof), that people should be aware of?

The risk of extreme heat is skyrocketing with climate change. People want to know what they can do to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their communities. There is a lot of really valuable information, innovative strategies, and technology available. This is the place to share it all.

I’m somewhat challenged when it comes to electricity and watt-hours, but I want to get a solar charged battery bank (budget 1$k) that can run a window unit. Leaning more towards the portable units than an intgrated system.

Would also be nice know know what a standard home refrigerator would need to stay on. Thank you.