Get ready early for summer days outdoors

APEX, North Carolina — With high temperatures expected to hover near triple digits for the remainder of the holiday weekend, emergency officials are warning people against staying outside in the heat for too long.

At the Fourth of July celebration in the town of Apex, organizers worked proactively to keep people cool and avoid heat-related illnesses.

Overexposure to heat for long periods of time can worsen its effects, and authorities have said breaks outside are necessary.

People should prepare for prolonged heat exposure a few days before an outdoor event, according to Apex Deputy Fire Chief David Dillon.

“We need people to hydrate and prehydrate,” Dillon said. “That starts several days before you’re going to be in an exposure situation. Just know your limits, take it easy and drink plenty of water.”

As hundreds of people filled Salem Street in Apex for a street festival and parade Thursday afternoon, Family Church Pastor Adam King said his church’s tent was a popular spot for festival-goers, offering free water and ice cream.

“We’re just having fun,” King said. “It’s a great day to be here and love people. It’s a great way to meet our neighbors, meet the community and show them that we love them and want to serve them.”

Despite the fun it provides, dangerous heat can quickly turn a joyful day into tragedy. A display outside the Apex Volunteer Fire Station Thursday showed how quickly a car can heat up and become deadly.

Staying Safe During Dangerous Heat

Pre-hydrate. Before you even head out the door, try drinking a glass of water or other non-caffeinated, electrolyte-rich beverage like Gatorade.
Hydrate yourself more. Keep hydrating throughout the day! Your body loses a lot of electrolytes and fluids when you sweat.
Be alert for signs of heat-related illness, such as headache, dizziness, pale skin, rapid heart rate, confusion.
Do not leave children or pets alone in cars. Even if the window is cracked, it is not safe to leave children or pets alone in a parked car, where temperatures can rise quickly.
When you call 911. If your child is overheated and does not respond to quick cooling measures such as a cold cloth or placing them in front of a fan, it is time to call 911.
Stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.
Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing that cover as much skin as possible.
Avoid heavy work during the hottest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat conditions and take frequent breaks.