Heat advisory
From staff reports

During the summer months health officials may issue a hot-weather health advisories, such as excessive heat warnings.
An excessive heat warning means that a prolonged period of dangerously hot temperatures will occur.

Severe hot weather conditions may cause heat related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. The signs and symptoms of heat stress or heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, dizziness, fainting, growing pale, headache, nausea or vomiting, muscle cramps, and exhaustion or weakness.

To protect yourself against heat-related illness:
• Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated.
• Avoid strenuous work or exercise outside during the hottest part of the day. If that is not practical, take frequent breaks and remember to drink plenty of water.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Avoid drinks containing alcohol or caffeine.
• Check on the elderly, young children and pets.
• Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked vehicle.
• Do not rely on fans as your primary cooling device. If you do not have air conditioning, visit a shopping center, public library or other air-conditioned structure.
• Avoid sitting directly in front of a fan. Fans re-circulate room air and may actually increase your body temperature and your risk of heat-related illness.
• Check with your pharmacist or doctor to find out if medication you are taking puts you at increased risk for heat-related illness.
• Avoid hot foods and heavy meals.

Each year more people in the United States die of extreme heat than from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined.

Groups especially at risk are the elderly, chronically ill, children under 4 years old, and anyone who works or exercises vigorously outdoors.