Going outside in this heat? Follow these guidelines to stay safe
Man, it's a hot one! Don't go out in this summer's heat wave before you arm yourself with these tips and a really big water bottle. (Image credit: Selçuk Acar/Anadolu)
Man, it's a hot one! Don't go out in this summer's heat wave before you arm yourself with these tips and a really big water bottle.
(Image credit: Selçuk Acar/Anadolu)
People cool off at Washington Square Park during hot weather in New York City on Monday. Selçuk Acar/Anadolu/Getty Images hide caption
As the holiday weekend approaches, large swaths of the Midwest and the Eastern U.S. are under extreme heat warnings or heat advisories, according to the National Weather Service .
Heat is a serious health threat. Hundreds of people die of heat-related illness in the U.S. each year. Heatstroke can damage your body , leading to multiple organ failure or kidney failure, and it can trigger a heart attack.
If you plan to spend time outdoors this week, here's a roundup of advice from NPR reporting on how to protect yourself and your loved ones.
COMIC: How excessive heat kills and how to stay safe
1. Assess the heat risk before you go outside