Red Cross warns about extreme heat

(WAND) - The American Red Cross is warning people to stay safe when temperatures reach dangerous highs.

There are three critical actions you can take to stay safe:

Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned spaces
Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you do not feel thirsty
Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if you need it

Athletes and outdoor workers are encouraged to take breaks in the shade in addition to drinking water or a sports drink.

Those who do not have easy access to air conditioning are recommended to go to places like malls and libraries to stay cool.

Never leave a child or pet alone inside a parked car. Make sure pets have access to water and shade.

It is also important to recognize the signs of heat illness. This can happen why a person's body does not cool down properly. Heat cramps are signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain. If you are experiencing heat cramps, find a cool place to rest and drink water. If you feel sick to your stomach, pause drinking. Get medical help if the cramps last longer than two hours or if you have heart issues.

Heat exhaustion includes heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Immediately stop what you're doing, rest in a cool place, drink water. Loosen tight clothing and put a cool wet cloth on your body. Get medical help if you're throwing up, don't feel better in an hour, or if you have heart or kidney problems.

Heat stroke is a deadly condition. It is signaled by high body temperature, fast heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Call 911 if you or someone else may have heat stroke. Move to a cooler place, remove extra clothing, use a wet cloth or cool bath to cool down. Sip water if possible.

If the power goes out during extreme heat, find a place with power and air conditioning to cool down. Keep an ice-filled cooler stocked with food, water, and medicine.