Knowing what to do to protect yourself and loved ones from extreme heat can save lives. The Red Cross urges everyone to check on friends and neighbors, especially older adults, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers and athletes.<\/p>\n\n\n
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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nW<\/strong>hat you should do<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Remind everyone to drink water, even if they don\u2019t feel thirsty. Aim for a cup of water every hour and encourage people to avoid sugary, caffeinated or alcoholic drinks. Babies should be breast-fed or bottle-fed often. Fewer wet diapers or darker urine can be signs of dehydration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Encourage athletes and outdoor workers to take breaks in the shade. They should drink a cup of water \u2014 or a sports drink \u2014 every 20 minutes. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Help those without air conditioning find a safe place to go like a mall, library or cooling center. They can also take cool showers or baths to help cool off. Remind people to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in light colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Never leave a child or pet alone inside a parked car, and make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heat illness signs<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n Anyone can become ill during extreme heat if their body can\u2019t cool down properly. It\u2019s critical to act fast as some types of heat illness can be deadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Heat cramps<\/strong> are signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain. Take action by stopping what you\u2019re doing, resting in a cool place and drinking a cup of water \u2014 or a sports drink \u2014 every 20 minutes. If you feel sick to your stomach, pause drinking. Get medical help if cramps last more than two hours or you have heart problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heat exhaustion<\/strong> is signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Take action by stopping what you\u2019re doing, resting in a cool place and drinking a cup of water \u2014 or a sports drink \u2014 every 20 minutes. Loosen your clothes and place a cool wet cloth on your body. Get medical help if you\u2019re vomiting, don\u2019t feel better in an hour, or if you have heart or kidney problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heat stroke<\/strong> is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Call 911. Move to a cooler place, remove extra clothing and use a wet cloth or a cool bath to cool down. If possible, sip a sports drink or water. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I<\/strong>f the power goes out<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n