The American Red Cross is urging the public to take steps to stay safe from extreme heat.  The guidelines come amid such conditions across the country. 

The Red Cross gives three key tips for protection: Stay hydrated, stay cool, and stay connected.  They recommend drinking a cup of water every hour – even if you are not feeling dehydrated – and avoiding sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks.  People should spend as much time as possible in air-conditioned spaces, whether at home, a cooling center, or some other public place.  Finally, they suggest checking in on loved ones to see that they are well and safe. 

Athletes and those who work outdoors should take breaks in the shade as often as possible and drink a cup of water every 20 minutes.  Those with pets should ensure their pets have access to fresh water and shade.  As always, never leave a child or pet alone in a parked car. 

The Red Cross also urges the public to watch for signs of heat illness.  These illnesses can include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.  

Heavy sweating and muscle pain can be signs of heat cramps.  Those experiencing heat cramps should stop what they are doing, find a cool place to rest, and slowly drink water.  If symptoms persist for more than an hour, get medical help.

Heat exhaustion can be detected from heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, fainting, nausea, or vomiting.  Anyone with these symptoms should take the same actions as with heat cramps and should also loosen clothing and place a cool wet cloth on the body.  Seek medical help if symptoms include vomiting or do not improve.

Heat stroke can be deadly.  This arises in the form of the aforementioned symptoms in addition to rapid heartbeat and confusion.  If this happens, call 911, move to a cooler place, remove extra clothing, and cool down with a wet cloth or bath. 

The American Red Cross also recommends keeping a cooler filled with ice, food, water, and medicine so they do not spoil if a power-outage occurs.  The Red Cross has several apps which provide weather and safety information.  They are both available on the App Store and Google Play.