When the air conditioning is out, stay on your lowest floor or head to the mall.

When temperatures soar, follow these safety rules:

• The coolest part of the day is normally sunrise, so plan any necessary strenuous activity for the morning.
• Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor, out of the sunshine.
• Drink plenty of water even if you don’t feel thirsty as water is most hydrating liquid to drink during a heat wave.  Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they can intensify the negative effect of heat on your body.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing to reflect some of the sun’s energy.
• Never leave children, elderly or pets in the car even with the windows down. Although the outside air temperatures may seem comfortable, temperatures inside a vehicle can rise 40 to 50 degrees and swiftly create deadly, oven-like conditions.
• Avoid using salt tablets unless directed to do so by a physician.

For information on protecting your home from severe weather, visit www.flash.org.  For mobile heat advisories and safety tips, download FLASH Weather Alerts at www.flashweatheralerts.org.