Central Illinois (and a large portion of the country) is facing excessive heat over the next several days. Here are some things to do and NOT do during excess heat.

Central Illinois is under an Excessive Heat Warning from 1 PM Thursday (7/18) through 7 PM Sunday (21). The American Red Cross has some DOs and DON’Ts during extreme heat. Below are some of the top things to remember.

HOT WEATHER DON’Ts

• NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN or PETS ALONE IN ENCLOSED VEHICLES!
  (If you see that a child or pet has been left in a locked, hot car call 9-1-1 to alert authorities than can send help immediately.)
• Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
• Never leave pets without shade from the sun and plenty water to drink.
• Avoid wearing dark colors because they absorb the sun’s rays.

HOT WEATHER DOs

• Be aware of both the temperature and the heat index. The heat index is the temperature the body feels when the effects of heat and humidity are combined.
• If you do not have air conditioning, choose places you could go to for relief from the heat during the warmest part of the day (schools, libraries, theaters, malls).
• Ensure that your animals’ needs for water and shade are met.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
• Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors. Use a buddy system when working in excessive heat.
• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning, who spend much of their time alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
• Check on your animals frequently to ensure that they are not suffering from the heat.

See the complete list of things to do and not do during extreme heat from the American Red Cross here.

By: Buck Stevens