Suffolk officials are urging folks to take precautions today, with forecasts suggesting the heat index could reach 100 degrees.

Heat that severe “can be a dangerous situation, especially for older citizens, infants and the medically fragile,” according to a city news release.

Precautions include:

• Check elderly family members and neighbors to ensure they have a cool place to go if they don’t have air conditioning.
• Fans by themselves are not enough to prevent heat-related illnesses in extreme conditions. Cold baths or showers can help. Drink cool, non-alcoholic beverages – and more of them, regardless of activity level. Two to four glasses an hour are recommended. Drink fruit juice or a sports beverage when exercising or working outside.
• Talk to your doctor if you’re on a fluid-restricted diet or medications, or on a low-salt diet.
• Never leave children or pets in cars, where temperatures can reach more than 150 degrees quickly, causing heat stroke and death.
• Wherever possible, keep cool in an air-conditioned area – consider a trip to the mall or library, or visit a friend with air conditioning. (At least two hours per day in air conditioning significantly lowers the risk of heat-related illnesses.)
• Avoid sunburn and wear light clothing. Sunburn limits the body’s ability to keep itself cool and causes loss of body fluids. Use sunscreen with a higher SPF. Lighter-weight clothing that is loose fitting and light colored is more comfortable during extreme temperatures. Use a hat to keep the head cool.
• Give your body a break – the heat wave can be stressful on your body. Limit physical activity until your body adjusts to the heat.
• When working outside, use the “buddy system” – ensure someone else knows your plans, in case of confusion or loss of consciousness.