DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — Summer is in full swing in South Florida, and that means an excruciating span of sweaty weeks with heat indices in the triple digits.
The Delray Beach Fire Rescue posted Wednesday on Facebook they responded to two heat-related calls before noon.
Division Chief Phil Wotton said this is the time of year where they see more heat-related calls.
"For anybody not taking the precautions and staying hydrated and sitting in the shade is putting themselves at risk," said Wotton.
During this hot summer months, residents are reminded to stay out of direct sunlight and limit outdoor activities during the day.
The First Alert Weather Team forecast that the heat index level would peak at 106 around 1 p.m. and stay in the triple digits through 4 p.m.
Experts say staying hydrated is very important. They encourage people to drink more water than usual before they feel thirsty.
Wotton said don't forget a hat and sunglasses but most importantly, don't forget to apply sunblock 30 minutes before you go outside.
"Don't forget about the tops of your feet," said Wotton.
Use sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher and take frequent breaks if you are working outside.
Sheffer said vacationers often underestimate how hot the sand can get.
"They don't know to bring shoes and burn their feet or they don’t bring water," said Sheffer.
Do not leave children or pets inside a parked car even if the windows are cracked open.
Health leaders say children and the elderly are at a higher risk for heat exhaustion and heat strokes.
Some of the symptoms of heat exhaustion include fatigue, nausea, extremely sweaty and pale skin.
Symptoms of heat strokes include an extremely high body temperature above 106 degrees, chills and slurred speech.
Your pets can also suffer from heat strokes, so make sure you are keeping a close eye on them and that they have plenty drinking water.
