Sunny days are ahead which means there will be hot days that we are yet to face.

Extreme heat can be dangerous, even deadly, for people and animals. Knowing how to protect yourself and others during a heat wave is an important part of staying safe.

Here are five things to remember on hot days, suggested by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) – federal government that focuses on making sure that people are healthy and taken care of.

• Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
• Wear light, breathable clothing.
• Apply sunscreen regularly to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays.
• Stay in the shade as much as possible to avoid overheating.
• Be mindful of signs of heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The above-mentioned source also gives out tips for keeping kids and pets safe on hot days:

• Providing plenty of water for both kids and pets.
• Avoiding direct sunlight, especially during the hottest times of the day
• Not to leave children or pets in cars, even for a short time.
• Providing shaded areas for kids and pets to play.
• Dressing children and pets in light, breathable clothing.
• Making sure that kids and pets have access to cool, indoor spaces.

Staying indoors during extreme heat is important as that helps to prevent heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke, said EPA.

The sources add that staying indoors also reduces the risk of dehydration, which can be especially dangerous for children and seniors. Additionally, staying indoors during extreme heat can help to reduce air pollution and smog.

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