Here are some safe ways you can beat the heat in Illinois

ILLINOIS (WCIA) — As the state gets fully broiled in the summertime weather, the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) Association of Illinois is sharing tips on how to stay healthy in the heat.

Of course, the most important thing is to stay hydrated. You should drink water before, during, and after outside activity. CERT said you can get a reusable water bottle and keep it on you both in and outdoors.

If you’re staying indoors, make sure it’s an air-conditioned. CERT said that in some places, you can call 211 to find the nearest cooling centers. In Central Illinois, this service is not available in Coles, Christian, Cumberland, Effingham, or Morgan Counties.

You can also view WCIA’s list of Central Illinois cooling centers here .

If you’re trying to beat the heat while outdoors, try to find some shade or equip yourself with a hat, umbrella, or portable fan. The earlier or later you’re outside, the better, as then you can avoid the hottest hours of the day.

CERT suggests wearing lightweight, light-colored clothes while outside. They also urge wearing sunscreen.

Never leave children or pets in cars. CERT said passer-bys should call 911 if they see a child or pet in a car alone. Being left in the heat, especially a car, can lead to heat-related illness or death. If you notice that you or someone else has a high body temperature, vomiting, and pale, clammy skin, call 911.

It’s not only children and pets that are most susceptible to heat-related illnesses. CERT said it’s also especially important to check in on elderly individuals and medically vulnerable people, as well as pregnant women. However, anyone can be at risk of heat-related illness. To learn more about the signs and how to prevent it, click here .

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