• Stay indoors and drink plenty of water.

• Avoid strenuous activities to prevent overheating.

• Wear loose, light-colored clothing to stay cool.

• Never leave kids or pets alone in closed vehicles.

• Use drapes or shades to block sunlight and reduce indoor heat.

• Check on family and friends who don’t have air conditioning and may be alone.

• Stay indoors as much as possible to keep warm.

• Dress in layers to trap heat and stay dry.

• Know about wind chill: Wind can make it feel much colder than it is.

• Avoid heavy exercise outside, as cold weather can strain your heart.

• If you need to do heavy outdoor chores, dress warmly and take breaks to stay safe.

• Watch out for ice on sidewalks and steps to prevent falls.

• Keep your home warm by sealing drafts and using space heaters safely.

• Stay informed about weather conditions and any advisories.

More information can be found on ready.gov, or at uinet.com

Heat cramps are painful muscle spasms caused by heavy exercise, often the first sign that your body is in trouble. If this happens, stop what you're doing and move to a cooler place.

Heat exhaustion occurs when your body loses too much fluid from sweating, especially in hot or humid conditions. This can cause less blood flow to vital organs.

Signs include:

• Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin.

• Heavy sweating.

• Headache.

• Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or exhaustion.

Treatment:

• Move to a cooler area.

• Remove or loosen clothing and apply cool, wet clothes.

• Give cool water to drink if the person is conscious.

• Let them rest and keep an eye on them.

Heatstroke is a serious condition where the body's temperature control stops working. This can lead to brain damage or death if not treated quickly.

Signs include:

• Hot, red skin.

• Changes in awareness or consciousness.

• Weak, rapid pulse and fast, shallow breathing.

• Very high body temperature.

Treatment:

• Call 911 right away.

• Move the person to a cooler place.

• Try to cool their body quickly with a cool bath, fan, or wet sheets.

Hypothermia happens when your body temperature drops too low, affecting muscle and brain functions.

Signs include:

• Uncontrollable shivering.

• Memory loss.

• Confusion or slurred speech.

Treatment:

• Move to a warm place.

• Add layers of clothing.

• Give warm fluids and food.

• Share body heat if possible.

Frostbite is an injury to body tissue caused by freezing.

Signs include:

• White or grayish-yellow skin.

• Skin that feels firm or waxy.

• Numbness in the area.

Treatment:

• Move to a warm place.

• Soak the affected area in warm (not hot) water.

• Use your body heat to warm the area.

Do not rub the frostbitten area