Severe heat could post serious health risks and even death. With weather hitting the triple digits in the Tri-Cities, follow these precautions to reduce risks.

If you're outside:

• Use sunscreen or wear protective clothing. Sunburns slow your skins ability to cool itself.
• Avoid extreme temperature changes, it can cause hypothermia. Taking a cold shower after being in extreme heat can be damaging to young and elderly individuals in particular.
• Take breaks when working outdoors.
• Plan outdoor activities early in the morning or later in the day when temperatures are cooler.
• At first signs of heat illness (dizziness, nausea, headaches, muscle cramps), move to a cooler location, rest for a few minutes and slowly drink a cool beverage. Seek medical attention immediately if you do not feel better.

If there's a power outage:

• Stay on the lowest floor of your home and stay out of the sunshine.
• Keep a few bottles of water in the freezer so you can place them in the refrigerator if the power goes out.
• Know the recommendations for your refrigerated medication if there's an outage. 

General tips to avoid heat exhaustion and heat stroke:

• Drink plenty of water and have water readily accessible at all times.
• Make sure your pets always have water.
• Avoid sugary, alcoholic and caffeinated beverages.
• Stay indoors.
• Never leave pets, or people in a parked vehicle.
• Dress yourself and your family appropriately for the weather.
• If you take prescription diuretics, antihistamines, mood-altering or antispasmodic drugs, check with a doctor about the effects of sun and heat exposure.
• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun. Awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering a house by as much as 80 percent.

Check out more tips to keep your home cool at BentonPUD.org/EnergySavings.

You can find more heat safety information on the Washington State's Department of Health website.