Hot Weather Survival Tips

Summer is no doubt the sweltering season. As the mercury rises so does the risk of heat-related emergencies.

Here's how to beat the heat, and not let it beat you.

According the the American Red Cross, Southeastern Michigan Chapter (www.semredcross.org), heat exhaustion and heat stroke are two big threats in hot weather.

Heat exhaustion occurs when the body can't cool itself so efficiently, and signs "include cool, moist, pale, ashen or flushed skin; headaches, nausea and/or dizziness; weakness and exhaustion; and heavy sweating," according to the Red Cross.

If that sounds bad, heat stroke is even worse. The Red Cross says it's potentially deadly, occurring "when the body's systems are overwhelmed by heat and stops functioning." If someone experiences shifts in consciousness, starts vomiting a lot, and their skins gets hot and red (it can be dry or moist), that person is in serious danger of heat stroke.

If someone you know starts showing some of the above symptoms, be alert. Apply cool, damp cloths to their skin, offer them cool sips of water, fan them, move them to a cooler, shadier spot. If they vomit or start to lose consciousness, lay them on their side and call 911 right away, says Red Cross.

Who's most vulnerable on those scorching days? The elderly, the very young, the ill and the overweight are at most risk. Avoid any situations that can bring on heat-related illnesses, from keeping Fido in a hot car to anyone delicate lingering in the hot sun. Watch out for people who have no relief from the heat (say, in an apartment without a cooling system). If you have no air conditioning or know of someone who doesn't have AC, get out and cool off somewhere: At a water park, the mall, the library, a movie theater, the beach. Any of these choices will offer a bit of relief and either a cool, man-made breeze or one off the lake.

Many communities have cooling centers to help wait out the heat.

Red Cross offers a number of easy tips to beat the heat, including.

• Dress smart: Choose lightweight, light-colored clothing. Don't forget to wear a hat and sunglasses if you do go out.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Lay off alcohol and caffeine, because these will actually dehydrate you.
• Avoid the outdoors: If you must do yard work, make sure you take frequent breaks, and try to do it later once the sun is lower in the sky. Stick to the shade if you can.
• Keep cool: If you're feeling a bit off, apply cold, damp cloths to your face and/or body and get a bit of relief.