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Here are some tips to stay safe during the St. Louis-area heat wave

Here's how to keep you, your kids and your pets safe during this heat wave

ST. LOUIS — A heat advisory is in effect for the St. Louis area until 7 p.m. Thursday, with heat index values reaching into the triple digits.

The heat advisory includes St. Charles County, Jefferson County and much of the Metro East — as far east as Marion County, Illinois.

The high temps can be dangerous if you're not careful. Here are a few tips to keep yourself safe as St. Louis rides through the heatwave.

First and foremost, limit outside activity, especially in the afternoon hours. Stay inside in the air conditioning as much as possible. 

If you do have to go out, make sure to limit it to 30 minutes at a time, drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen and lighter colored clothing. Avoid dark clothes, which absorb heat instead of reflecting it.

Never leave children or pets in cars. On a hot day, temperatures can reach deadly levels within minutes. 

Don't leave pets outside for too long, and be careful when you take them on walks, as hot asphalt can burn their paws.

Credit: KSDK

RELATED: How to keep your pet safe in warm weather

It's also important to recognize the signs of heat-related illness.

Heat exhaustion can lead to heat stroke, which is a medical emergency. If someone is having a heat stroke, call 911 immediately and move them to a cooler place. Help lower their temperature with cool cloths or a cool bath but do not give them anything to drink.

The Centers for Disease Control and prevention says to watch out for these symptoms:

Heat exhaustion

  • Heavy sweating
  • Cold, pale, and clammy skin
  • Fast, weak pulse
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Muscle cramps
  • Tiredness or weakness
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Fainting

RELATED: 5 On Your Side reporter learns dangers of heat exhaustion firsthand

Heat stroke

  • High body temperature (103°F or higher)
  • Hot, red, dry, or damp skin
  • Fast, strong pulse
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Losing consciousness (passing out) 

For more hot weather tips, visit the CDC's website.

Cool Down St. Louis is offering help to people who are facing situations that leave them without air conditioning. For more information, click here.

RELATED: Cool Down St. Louis looking to help those who need it as temperatures rise

RELATED: Heat advisory in effect for St. Louis area through Thursday

RELATED: How this heatwave could impact St. Louis' coronavirus case count

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