By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
With highs staying in the mid to upper 90's this summer it’s important to remain vigilant of the dangers of heat exhaustion.
American Red Cross spokesperson Angie Springs says one of the best ways to avoid heat exhaustion is to stay hydrated and drink water.
"Water is the best thing for you to use to hydrate yourself," Springs tells KFEQ/St. Joseph Post. "Make sure that you are not only just drinking water when you're outside, but before you go outside, make sure that you're staying hydrated so that you can ensure that you don't hopefully get overheated when you're outside or that you get dehydrated."
Springs says it’s also important to make sure you don't overwork yourself in the heat and you wear loose clothing.
Springs says people often might not keep the dangers of the heat top of mind while out in it.
"Most of the time when you're outside you think I need to drink water, I need to stay hydrated maybe grab that electrolyte drink whatever the case may be, but really get in tune with your body and know when you really need to take a break," Springs explains. "You need to step out of the hot, you need to cool down, really being in tune to listening to your body when you need to stop."
Springs advises if you have to work outside to do it early in the morning or later in the afternoon and not in the hottest parts of the day.
While you're outside in the summer heat being sure to take care of yourself, you should also be sure to keep an eye on those four-legged friends.
Springs says it’s also important to keep an eye on your pets this summer
"Make sure that you're not taking your dog out for a walk during the hottest part of the day, making them walk on hot concrete that sort of thing," Springs explains. "Make sure that if you're animals are outside, they have plenty of fresh water to drink and that they have shade, something to get out of the hot sun if they are outdoors."
Springs says pets’ health is just as important as our own and you should make sure to take care of your entire family during the dog days of summer.
Highs for the remainder of the week will gravitate around 90. They'll jump back up to the mid-90s in the middle of next week.