Summer in Acadiana is in full swing with temperatures in the 90’s.

Many are looking for ways to escape the heat and stay cool and with heat indexes expected to top 100 degrees, there a few safety tips to keep in mind.

“If you have to be outdoors at this time of the year try and time your activity to early hours in the morning or late hours in the evening,” says Dr. Farha Khan,” Lafayette General Medical Center. Dr.Khan says make sure someone knows you are outside so they can check on you. So far this year, she’s seen many people suffering from heat rashes.

Khan says be aware of symptoms of heat stroke this summer. “Lightheaded-ness and unconsciousness are two symptoms. If you see somebody in a field or running track that’s actually passed out, you feel a pulse and it’s a high heart rate and the skin is hard and dry in spite of the intense heat is another.” She recommends drinking plenty low in sugar drinks to stay hydrated.

Khan says those most in danger of heat-related illnesses are kids and the elderly.

Council on Aging Executive Director, Paula Walters, says about half of the seniors they visit are at risk. “The elderly can get dehydrated really quickly faster than us. Just having a box fan blowing on them and you know keeping hydrated will prevent them from getting heat stroke.”

Dr. Khan says something very important to keep in mind is hot cars. “If you’re out and about it’s very easy to get distracted. Make sure that you don’t leave children in a closed hot vehicle.”

Khan says the goal this summer should be to keep cool and stay hydrated.

If you would like to donate a box fan or bottles of water to the Council on Aging, call 337-262-5990.