“Heat can affect anyone,” he said. “However, it is more likely to affect young children, elderly people and people with health problems.”
Most important, according to Avery, is the proper protection in the sun.
“The main thing is to take those precautions,” he said. “Wear sun block and other protection like a hat and sunglasses.”
Lightweight, light colored clothing is also preferred in the heat of summer. Light colors will reflect away some of the sun’s energy. If you can, slow down.  Avoid strenuous activity.  If you must do strenuous activity, try to do it during the coolest part of the day.
Stay indoors as much as possible.  If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.  Try to get to a public building with air conditioning.  Remember, electric fans do not cool the air, but they do help sweat evaporate, which cools the body.
“When we have a period of time where the temperature stays above 100 degrees for three straight days, that’s when we get in touch with the Red Cross about providing a cooling center,” said Avery. “These are not shelters but they are places where folks who don’t have air conditioning can come and cool off. They aren’t open 24 hours but hopefully when the sun goes down people will get relief from the heat that way.”
Drink plenty of water. Your body needs water to keep cool. Water is the safest liquid to drink during heat emergencies. Avoid drinks which contain alcohol and caffeine. 
Eat small meals and eat more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein, which increase metabolic heat.
Everyone should be aware of signals of a heat emergency, but most especially if you have to work in the heat.
“You really need to recognize those signs of exposure,” said Avery. “Stay hydrated. If you start to feel sick or somebody notices you aren’t functioning well, make sure you get some emergency help.”
Someone experiencing heat exhaustion will have cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness; and exhaustion.  Body temperature will be near normal.
A person with heat stroke will have hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid weak pulse; and rapid shallow breathing.  Body temperature can be very high — as high as 105 degrees. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise it will feel dry.
For more information you can visit  www.fema.gov/ hazard/heat/heat_during.shtm.