Updated 06/20/2012 01:16 PM
Red Cross offers heat safety tips
It's a hazy, hot, and humid day across the region, and many people are doing all they can to stay cool. With temperatures rising into the 90s, the American Red Cross is telling everyone to take the right steps to stay safe. Our Brad Vivacqua reports.
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NEW YORK -- With temperatures rising into the 90s today and tomorrow, the American Red Cross is telling everyone to take the right steps to stay safe and healthy, whether you're spending time outside or staying in.
The Red Cross says excessive temperatures cause more deaths than any other weather-related event. They say anyone, including pets, can be at a high risk during the heat wave, especially when there is high humidity. People who are at the greatest risk of getting a heat-related illness are those older than 65, infants and young children, and people with heart disease, high blood pressure, and other chronic conditions.
The Red Cross is giving some tips to avoid heat exhaustion:
-Never leave people or animals in enclosed vehicles. -Stay hydrated, even if you don't feel thirsty, and avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol in them.-Check on family, friends, and neighbors who don't have air conditioning.-Check on your pets frequently, because animals cannot regulate their internal temperature like humans can.
For more information about summer safety, visit the Red Cross website at RedCross.org.