CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – After a few days of rain and humidity, Champaign-Urbana is set to welcome in its hottest few days of the year this weekend.

In preparation, The American Red Cross is urging everybody to take three critical actions to stay safe.

  1. Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every hour, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
  2. Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library or cooling center.
  3. Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if you need it. Make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade

“Knowing what to do to protect yourself and loved ones from extreme heat can save lives,” said Tony Lasher, Division Disaster Director. “We’re asking everyone to check on friends and neighbors, especially older adults, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers and athletes. You could make all the difference by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.”

Saturday will be the first of a sting of seven days in which the area is expecting temperatures as high as the mid-90s to low 80s.

Additionally, aiming for a cup of water every hour is recommended, while babies should be breast-fed or bottle-fed often. Fewer wet diapers or darker urine can be signs of dehydration in babies.

Athletes and outdoor workers should take breaks in the shade, drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes and taking frequent water breaks.

Those without air conditioning should seek a safe place to go like a mall, library, or cooling center. Cool showers or baths can also be taken to cool off. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothes in light colors are also recommended.

Children or pets should never be let alone inside a parked car, and pets should always have access to fresh water and shade.

HEAT ILLNESS SIGNS:

  • Heat cramps are signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain. Take action by stopping what you’re doing, resting in a cool place and slowly sipping water. Don’t drink if you feel sick, and get medical help if cramps last over an hour or you have heart problems.
  • Heat exhaustion is signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Take action by stopping what you’re doing, resting in a cool place and slowly sipping water. Don’t drink if you feel sick. Loosen your clothes and place a cool wet cloth on your body. Get medical help if you don’t feel better, vomit or have heart problems.
  • Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Call 911. Move to a cooler place, remove extra clothing and use a wet cloth or a cool bath to cool down. Don’t drink anything.