National Weather Service has a clear message for our region as we move into a period of prolonged heat. As heat ramps up, be sure to hydrate before you are thirsty, wear lightweight and light colored clothing, take frequent breaks in air conditioning or shade, and recognize the symptoms of heat illness in yourself or others. Someone with heat exhaustion will feel faint or dizzy, have excessive sweating, feel cool and clammy, have a rapid but weak pulse and muscle cramps. Get to cooler air, drink water, and take a cool shower, and monitor. Someone with heat stroke will have a headache, no sweating, a high body temperature, red/hot/dry skin, a rapid strong pulse, and may lose consciousness. Call 9-1-1 and take immediate action to cool the individual. During the hot temperatures keep pets indoors or provide extra shade and water, never leave kids or pets unattended in vehicles, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day.
