As high temperatures reach 90 degrees in the next several days, Washington County Public Health urges residents to prevent experiencing heat-related illnesses and to look out for others who may be at risk.

Public Health Administrator Danielle Pettit-Majewski says heat illnesses can occur when spending an extended amount of time during the warmer parts of a summer day, “One of the things that we should really stress, especially with heat exhaustion and heat stroke, are some of the symptoms. So having a high body temperature, like 103 degrees fahrenheit or higher, having hot, red, dry, or damp skin; having a strong, fast pulse; headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, maybe losing consciousness.”

If you have a body temperature of 103 degrees or higher, are throwing up, or experiencing heat exhaustion symptoms for longer than an hour, Pettit-Majewski says these are the signs of a heat stroke and you should call 911 right away as it is considered a medical emergency. She advises residents to drink plenty of water this summer, try to stay in cooler areas and wear loose, moisture-wicking clothing during hotter days. She also recommends checking on elderly neighbors or relatives as they can succumb more easily to heat illness.