The forecast for the next few days calls for upper 80's to low 90's for highs with the chance for scattered thunderstorms, so stay safe and cool with these safety tips:.

Red Cross Heat Safety Tips:

• Take it easy - Slow down and avoid strenuous activity. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day—usually between 4 and 7 a.m.


• Join the "In Crowd."- Stay indoors as much as possible. If air conditioning isn't available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Try to go to public buildings with air conditioning each day for several hours. Remember, electric fans don't cool the air, but they help sweat evaporate, which cools your body.


• Dress for the heat - When outdoors, wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing that covers as much skin as possible to prevent sunburn. Light colors reflect some of the sun's energy. It's also a good idea to wear hats or use an umbrella.


• Stay out of the sun- When outdoors, wear sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.


• Drink to your health …with water - Your body needs fluids to keep cool, and water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Carry it with you and drink continuously even if you don't feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol and caffeine. They can make you feel good briefly, but worsen the heat's effects on your body. This especially is true about beer, which dehydrates the body.

For more Heat Safety Tips, click here.



Red Cross Thunderstorm Safety Tips:

Before lightning strikes

• Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light or increasing wind. Listen for the sound of thunder.


• If you hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to safe shelter immediately.

When a storm approaches

At home:

• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.


• Go inside and stay there.


• Secure outside doors.

Away from home:

• Find shelter in a sturdy structure that has electricity or plumbing, which would carry a lightning charge into the ground.


• If you can't find a building, take shelter in a hard-topped vehicle. The steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you're not touching metal. You could be injured if lightning strikes the vehicle, but you're much safer there than outside or in a tent or unenclosed shelter area. Keep vehicle windows closed.

After the storm passes

• Stay away from downed power lines and other storm-damaged areas.


• Listen to the TV or radio for information and instructions.

For more Thunderstorm Safety Tips, click here.