It is without a doubt the hottest week we have experienced so far this summer. With temperatures soaring into the high 90s and beyond, it is important to remember that the intense heat can be harmful to you, your families, and your animals. Below are some tips to help you avoid letting these hot summer days get the better of you.

These tips may be pretty obvious but a little reminding never hurt anyone:

1) Drink more (non-alcoholic) fluids. Don't wait until you are thirsty and don't think just because you're not doing any strenuous activity, it means you don't need extra water. (If your doctor normally limits your fluid intake, be sure to check how much you should be drinking.)

2) Spend time in cool places. Staying indoors helps prevent the more serious effects of heat exposure. If you don't have a cool home, consider spending several hours a day at a store or the library where your body can adequately cool down.

3) Fans do not prevent heat-related illnesses when the temperature is in the high 90s. When it gets that hot outside and you don't have A/C in the house, consider spending more time in a place that does.

4) Wear loose-fitting, light-colored, lightweight clothing.

5) NEVER, EVER leave a person or pet inside a closed, parked vehicle on hot days.

The tips above are provided by the CDC on how to prevent heat-related illness. For more information, CLICK HERE to visit the CDC website.

To view the UNH Cooperative Extension's info on the dangers of extreme heat, CLICK HERE.