Howard County residents should take extra precautions to stay cool on Tuesday.
With high temperatures and humidity expected to push the heat index above 100 degrees, Howard County's Health Officer, Dr. Maura Rossman, has issued a heat advisory for the county from 1 p.m. until 7 p.m.
Howard residents in need of air conditioning can visit the county's senior centers and library branches, officials said.
They released a list of precautions the public can take to prevent heat stroke and other dangerous situations created by the rising thermometer:
• Never leave children or pets unattended in a parked car or other hot environment.
• If you must be out in the heat wear light-colored, light-weight, loose-fitting clothing, a hat and sunscreen.
• Increase your fluid intake; drink non-alcoholic and caffeine-free liquids.
• Be aware of the symptoms of heat related illness: extreme weakness, muscle cramps, nausea, headache, possible vomiting or fainting, dry red skin, convulsions, disorientation, delirium and coma.
• Check on elderly friends, family and neighbors who live alone.
• As with any other emergency, citizens should call 911 if they encounter a heat related emergency.
For more information, residents can visit the Howard County Health Department website at hchealth.org.