Updated: July 12, 2017

WITH HOT TEMPERATURES AND HIGH HUMIDITY IN THE MID-SOUTH, THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH WANTS RESIDENTS TO USE CAUTION AS TEMPERATURES REACH INTO THE 90'S AND HEAT INDEXES GO MUCH HIGHER. TENNESSEANS AND VISITORS ARE URGED TO BE CAREFUL AND TAKE PREVENTIVE STEPS TO AVOID HEAT EXHAUSTION AND HEAT STROKE, WHICH CAN BE FATAL. WHILE THE ELDERLY, CHILDREN, AND THOSE WITH HEALTH ISSUES AT MOST RISK, EXTREME HEAT CAN AFFECT ANYONE. SOME TIPS TO STAY SAFE IN THE HEAT INCLUDE: DRINK PLENTY OF NON-ALCOHOLIC, LOW-SUGAR FLUIDS. DO NOT LEAVE CHILDREN OR PETS IN CARS EVEN FOR A FEW MINUTES. STAY COOL INDOORS. LIMIT TIME OUTSIDE WHEN POSSIBLE. PACE YOURSELF IF WORKING OR EXERCISING OUTDOORS. AND USE THE BUDDY SYSTEM. PARTNER WITH A FRIEND AND WATCH EACH OTHER FOR SIGNS OF HEAT RELATED ILLNESS. SIGNS INCLUDE WEAKNESS, NAUSEA, CRAMPS, RAPID BREATHING, FAST PULSE, LACK OF SWEATING AND CONFUSION. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON STAYING SAFE DURING HOT WEATHER, VISIT THE WEBSITE CDC.GOV.