· Get informed (listen to local news and weather)

· Stay cool indoors

o Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death

o If your home does not have air-conditioning, call your local Police Department, Office of Emergency Management or Health Department to see if there are Cooling Centers in your area

· Drink plenty of fluids

o Talk to your doctor about how much water you should drink when the weather is hot

· Do not drink liquids that contain alcohol, or large amounts of sugar

· Avoid very cold liquids

· Replace salts and minerals

o A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. However, if you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage or taking salt tablets.

· Talk to your doctor about the effects of prescription medicines you are taking

· Avoid hot foods and heavy meals

· Use your stove and oven less

· Take a cool shower or bath

· Rest

· Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose fitting clothing

· Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses if you go outdoors

· Apply sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) 30 minutes prior to going outside and reapply according to package directions

· Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours

· When outdoors try to rest often in shady areas

· Pace yourself

· Do not engage in strenuous activities

· Use a buddy system

· Monitor those at high risk (infants and children; people aged 65 or older; people who have a mental illness; and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure)

· Do not wait in or leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car

· Provide cool water for your pets

Source of information: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/