HOUSTON COUNTY, Ala. (WDNews)— With summer in full swing and triple-digit temperatures creeping into the forecast, officials are urging residents to take precautions to stay safe during extreme heat.
The National Weather Service and local emergency agencies have shared several safety tips to help prevent heat-related illnesses. Key advice includes staying indoors during peak heat hours (10 a.m. to 3 p.m.), drinking plenty of fluids even if you’re not thirsty, and wearing light, loose-fitting clothing.
People who work outdoors are especially encouraged to take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, wear sunscreen and use the buddy system to stay safe. Employers are also advised to monitor workers for signs of heat exhaustion.
Parents and pet owners are reminded never to leave children or animals in parked vehicles, even for a short time. The inside of a car can heat up quickly and reach deadly temperatures.
Residents are also encouraged to check on neighbors, especially older adults or anyone without air conditioning. Those without access to a cool space should locate the nearest public cooling shelter or contact local emergency management for options.
Planning ahead is critical. The National Weather Service recommends building an emergency kit, having a backup plan for power outages and making a list of friends and family to check in on during heat waves.
For more resources and heat safety tips, visit weather.gov.
