LANSING - According to the It's a Cool Thing to Do program, heat index temperatures from 93 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit declare a Condition Orange: Heat Alert and this weekend Michigan falls under that condition.

With heat indexes reaching as high as 100 degrees Fahrenheit, the Michigan State Police and Meridian Township Fire Department are urging people to prepare, take precautions and stay cool this weekend to ensure the safety of themselves and loved ones.

Extreme heat is defined as a long period (2 to 3 days) of high heat and humidity and often results in the highest number of annual deaths among all weather-related hazards.

“Extreme heat has the potential to be life-threatening as heat and humidity put stress on the body,” said Capt. Emmitt McGowan, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “By taking the proper precautions, you can minimize your risk of heat-related illness and be ready to assist those who are most affected by severe heat.”

There are several tips from The Center for Disease Control and Prevention and the Michigan State Police to prepare for the extreme heat other than hiking up your air conditioning:

• Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, blinds or awnings to reduce the amount of heat that enters your home.
• Listen to local weather forecasts to stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.
• Wear lose lightweight clothing.
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
• Limit outdoor activity and cut down on exercising.
• Check on family members or neighbors who are elderly, young, sick or overweight, as they are more susceptible to excessive heat.
• DO NOT leave children, pets or elderly in a car.
• Ensure pets have cool housing areas and plenty of water and walk dogs on grass if possible.
• Learn about available cooling centers or public locations with air conditioning in your community.

Free rides to cooling centers are available to those with a physical and financial need through CATA, EATRAN and Clinton Area Transit. Cooling centers in the Meridian Township area include the Meridian Mall and Meijer. To find other cooling centers that may be near you or to find out if you’re eligible for a free ride dial 2-1-1.

While the heat lasts, residents are encouraged to spend most or at least part of the day in a cool place and to avoid activities outdoors. People who may be vulnerable because of physical conditions should take this heat wave very seriously (seniors, pregnant women, people with disabilities or chronic health conditions, etc.).

In extreme heat, the body is working overtime to maintain a normal temperature. Because of this, heat-related illnesses can occur.
Some illnesses and symptoms include:

HEAT CRAMPS
• Signs: Muscle pains or spasms in the stomach, arms, or legs
• Actions: Go to a cooler location. Remove excess clothing. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if cramps last more than an hour.

HEAT EXHAUSTION
• Signs: Heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, or fainting
• Actions: Go to an air-conditioned place and lie down. Loosen or remove clothing. Take a cool bath. Take sips of cool sports drinks with salt and sugar. Get medical help if symptoms get worse or last more than an hour.

HEAT STROKE (most severe)
• Signs: Extremely high body temperature (above 103 degrees) taken orally; red, hot, and dry skin with no sweat; rapid, strong pulse; dizziness; confusion; or unconsciousness
• Actions: Call 911 or get the person to a hospital immediately. Cool down with whatever methods are available until medical help arrives.

For those who may have to spend the day outside or choose to spend a couple hours in the sun, tips to stay safe include:
• Drink plenty of water.
• Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid being in the full sun for long periods of time and seek shelter in shaded areas.
• Wear light colored clothing.
• Use plenty of sunscreen.

The extreme temperatures are expected to last from Thursday, July 18th to Saturday, July 20th.