The Georgia Department of Public Health is urging residents to be careful as high heat levels and high humidity sweep across the state.

According to the Georgia DPH, temperatures are expected to remain in the high 90s throughout the state for several days, at times feeling closer to 100 degrees or higher due to humidity.

As a result, the department is warning Georgians to avoid prolonged time in the sun and heat and limit outdoor activities.

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DPH said extreme heat can lead to heat-related illness, which can cause confusion or loss of consciousness.

The department said children, especially infants, young children, those older than 65 years of age, people who are overweight, or those with heart disease, high blood pressure, or take medication for depression, insomnia or poor circulation are at greater risk for heat illness.

For pets, DPH said to ensure your furry friends have protection from the sun and heat, and plenty of fresh, cold water, including adding ice to water to keep it cool.

DPH said to use tree shade or tarps, rather than doghouses because they do not obstruct airflow.

The DPH put out a few tips for how to stay cool during the heat wave, including:

Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothes

Stay in a place with air conditioning. If your house or home doesn’t have A/C, go to a mall or public library or a friend’s house that does have air conditioning

Take cool showers or baths to cool down, fans won’t stop heat illness with temperatures in the high 90s

Do not leave infants, children, adults, or pets in a parked car, even with the windows cracked

Call 911 if you see someone locked in a hot vehicle

Try not to use the stove or oven, and avoid hot and heavy meals that only add heat to the body

Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening and exercise less

Stay hydrated and drink water even if you aren’t thirsty

Avoid sugary or alcoholic beverages that cause the body to lose body fluid

Keep an eye on local weather forecasts and prepare for extreme heat

Use the buddy system to check on friends and loved ones twice a day while working in extreme heat.

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