Advice to stay safe in extreme heat

Protect yourself:

• Stay in air-conditioned areas like the mall or the library or visit friends with air conditioning. Once temperatures climb into the upper 90s, fans just aren’t enough. Spending at least two hours a day in air conditioning reduces your chances of a heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath also can help.
•  Drink two to four glasses of cool fluids per hour. Drink sports beverages during exercise or while working outside to replace salts and minerals lost while sweating.
•  Use the buddy system when working outside so someone knows your plans and how to help in a heat-related emergency.
•  Limit physical activity until your body adjusts to the heat. Seek out shade.
•  Never leave children or pets in cars, as the temperature inside can reach more than 150 degrees quickly, resulting in heat stroke and death.

Source: Central Virginia Health District

 Protect your car:

• Run errands in the morning or evening; carpool when possible.
• Don’t run your car’s air conditioning in continuous stop-go traffic. Roll down the windows and give it a break.
• Leave extra space between you and the car in front of you to prevent the engine from drawing in the other car’s hot exhaust.
• Check your car’s temperature gauge periodically. If it gets to the hot mark, turn the air conditioner off, roll down the windows and run the heater full blast until the gauge returns to cool.
• Have your battery tested, as heat tends to kill batteries.
• Check the car’s oil and make sure it’s full. Oil serves as a lubricant and a coolant for the engine. Also check the coolant levels and if necessary refill with a half-and-half mix of anti-freeze and water.
• Keep a fully charged cell phone with you in case of emergency, but don’t leave it in the car as the heat will drain the battery.

Source: AAA Mid-Atlantic

Protect your pets:

• Never leave an animal alone in a vehicle, even with the windows open. Overheating can kill an animal.  Parking in shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day. When traveling, carry a gallon container filled with fresh, cold water.
• In extremely hot weather, don't leave your dog standing on the street, and keep walks to a minimum. He is much closer to the hot asphalt and his body can heat up quickly. Paws can burn since they are not protected by shoes.
• Bring pets inside during the heat of the day and let them rest in a cool part of your house.
• Pets can get dehydrated quickly. Always provide plenty of cool, clean water.
• Know the warning signs: According to Dr. Lila Miller, ASPCA Vice President of Veterinary Outreach, symptoms of overheating in pets include excessive panting or difficulty breathing, increased heart and respiratory rate, drooling, mild weakness, stupor or even collapse.

Source: SPCA