Heat Illness

The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning from Saturday until Friday morning.

It has also shared some tips on how to stay safe during a heat wave like this one.

First, you should limit your outdoor activities. If possible, schedule outdoor activities for the morning or evening hours when it's cooler.

Make sure you are drinking plenty of water and avoid alcohol. Drinks with electrolytes can also help protect you from heat stress.

Wear light, loose-fitting and light-colored clothing.

Apply sunscreen every two hours you are out in the sun.

You should also take regular breaks in the shade to cool off.

If you are outside over the next week, there are some signs of heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke you should be on the lookout for, both in yourself and those around you.

According to the National Weather Service, heat cramps may be the first sign of heat-related illness, and can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke.

The symptoms of heat cramps include painful muscle cramps in the legs and abdomen, as well as heavy sweating.

If you notice these symptoms, you should apply firm pressure or gently massage the cramping muscles. Give the person sips of water unless they complain of nausea.

If you are experiencing dizziness, thirst, heavy sweating, nausea and weakness, you may be experiencing heat exhaustion. Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke if not treated. 

If you notice these symptoms, you should move to a cooler area, loosen your clothing and sip some cool water. You should also seek medical help if your symptoms don't improve.

If you start noticing confusion, dizziness and fainting, you may be experiencing heat stroke. 

Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if not treated, so if you or someone you know is experiencing heat stroke, you should call 911, move the person to a cooler area, loosen clothing and remove extra layers, and cool them with water or ice.

However, the National Weather Service says you should not give someone experiencing heat stroke water to drink. You also should not use a fan to cool them off if the temperature is above the high 90s, as it can actually make them hotter.