7 Hot Weather Human Safety Tips

Stay%20hydrated%20by%20drinking%20plenty%20of%20fluids%20even%20if%20you%20do%20not%20feel%20thirsty.%20%20Avoid%20drinks%20with%20caffeine%20or%20alcohol.%20%20Minimize%20consumption%20of%20sports%20drinks%20as%20they%20are%20high%20in%20sodium.%20%20Eat%20small%20meals%20and%20eat%20more%20often%2C%20consuming%20water-filled%20fruits%20and%20vegetables.%20%20%20%20%28Photo%20by%20Bryn%20Lennon%2FGetty%20Images%29

Slow%20down%2C%20stay%20indoors%20and%20avoid%20strenuous%20exercise%20during%20the%20hottest%20part%20of%20the%20day.%20%20Postpone%20outdoor%20games%20and%20activities.%20%20Use%20a%20buddy%20system%20when%20working%20in%20excessive%20heat.%20%20Take%20frequent%20breaks%20if%20you%20must%20work%20outdoors.%20%28Photo%20credit%20should%20read%20ROBYN%20BECK%2FAFP%2FGettyImages%29

Signs%20of%20heat%20exhaustion%20include%20cool%2C%20moist%2C%20pale%20or%20flushed%20skin%3B%20heavy%20sweating%3B%20headache%3B%20nausea%3B%20dizziness%3B%20weakness%3B%20and%20exhaustion.%20Move%20to%20a%20cooler%20place.%20Loosen%20tight%20clothing%20and%20apply%20cool%2C%20wet%20cloths%20to%20the%20skin.%20Slowly%20drink%20small%20amounts%20of%20cool%20water.%20%28Photo%20by%20Peter%20Macdiarmid%2FGetty%20Images%29

Heat%20stroke%20exists%20when%20a%20person%26%238217%3Bs%20temperature%20control%20system%20stops%20working%20and%20the%20body%20is%20unable%20to%20cool%20itself.%20%20Signs%20of%20heat%20stroke%20include%20hot%2C%20red%20skin%20which%20may%20be%20dry%20or%20moist%3B%20changes%20in%20consciousness%3B%20vomiting%3B%20and%20high%20body%20temperature.%20%20Heat%20stroke%20is%20life-threatening.%20Call%209-1-1%20immediately.%20%28Photo%20credit%20TIMOTHY%20A.%20CLARY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Ensure%20that%20your%20animals%26%238217%3B%20needs%20for%20water%20and%20shade%20are%20met.%20Check%20on%20your%20animals%20frequently%20to%20ensure%20that%20they%20are%20not%20suffering%20from%20the%20heat.%20%20Never%20leave%20children%20or%20pets%20alone%20in%20enclosed%20vehicles.%20%28Photo%20credit%20TIMOTHY%20A.%20CLARY%2FAFP%2FGetty%20Images%29

Check%20on%20family%2C%20friends%20and%20neighbors%20who%20do%20not%20have%20air%20conditioning%2C%20who%20spend%20much%20of%20their%20time%20alone%20or%20who%20are%20more%20likely%20to%20be%20affected%20by%20the%20heat.%20Elderly%2C%20young%2C%20sick%20or%20overweight%20are%20more%20likely%20to%20become%20victims%20of%20excessive%20heat%20and%20may%20need%20help.%20%28Photo%20by%20Oli%20Scarff%2FGetty%20Images%29