PATRIOT INSIDER
Surviving Heat Stroke, Heat Exhaustion & Blackout Heatwaves
You’ve prepped for bullets, looters, EMPs, and chaos. But here’s what drops more people in collapse scenarios than you’d think:
Heat.
Not just inconvenience. Not sweat.
I’m talking brain-cooking, system-shutdown, heart-stopping HEAT.
Heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and dehydration—these are the quiet killers.
And they’ll take you out faster than starvation, exposure, or even most infections.
Let’s fix that.
HEAT EXHAUSTION VS. HEAT STROKE
Know the difference. React fast. It matters.
HEAT EXHAUSTION – WARNING ZONE
Symptoms: Dizziness, nausea, fatigue, headache, clammy skin
Internal Temp: Under 104°F
You Can Recover: With rest, water, and cooling methods
Immediate Response:
Get in the shade or indoors
Cool compresses to neck, groin, armpits
Drink water (slowly, not ice-cold)
Loosen or remove excess clothing
Lay down with feet elevated
HEAT STROKE – RED LINE
Symptoms: Confusion, rapid pulse, unconsciousness, no sweat
Internal Temp: Over 104°F and rising
This is a medical emergency—organs shut down in minutes
Immediate Response:
CALL for help (in grid-up scenario)
Get them to shade or indoors
Strip outer clothes
Apply cold packs or soak towels and cover body
Fan aggressively while wetting the skin
DO NOT give water if unconscious or confused
GRID-DOWN TIPS: PREVENTION IS YOUR ONLY DEFENSE
In a blackout, you likely won’t have AC. So what do you do?
Tactical Cooling Gear
Battery-powered fans (run off solar or USB banks)
Cooling towels or bandanas (keep them wet and draped around the neck)
Spray bottles + fanning = old-school evaporative cooling
Mylar emergency blankets reflect heat away—hang them outside windows
Strategic Shelter
Basements or underground shelters stay cooler by nature
Hang blackout curtains & foil over windows during daylight
Sleep during the day, move at night—reverse cycle when necessary
Create cross-ventilation with strategically cracked windows or roof vents
Hydration Hacks
Electrolytes are everything. Water alone won’t save you.
Store ORS packets (oral rehydration salts) or make your own: 1 qt water + 1/2 tsp salt + 6 tsp sugar + splash of citrus
Don’t chug. Sip steadily throughout the day.
Pay Special Attention To:
Kids – They overheat fast, and often can’t explain how they feel.
Elderly – Weaker thermoregulation + meds that mess with sweat response
Dogs – They can’t sweat. Provide shade, water, and check paws often.
You – If you’re the strong one, you’ll push too hard. You have to know your limits.
Heat is not “just” a summer issue.
If the grid drops during a heatwave—or even during normal summer operations—you are in a live-fire scenario.
Be ready for it. Build a heat plan. Store electrolytes. Harden your shelter.
And remember—when your body fails, your gear doesn’t matter.
Stay cool. Stay ready.
—George Shepherd
Until next time… STAY PREPARED
Remember: The best time to prepare was yesterday. The second best time is now.
Forward this newsletter to fellow patriots who value self-reliance and preparation.
Stay vigilant, stay prepared, stay alive.
