GEORGIA, (WALB) - With the official start of summer, the American Red Cross of Georgia wants everyone to stay safe this summer. Extreme heat is deadly and kills more people than any other weather event.

The Red Cross of Georgia urges everyone to take three critical actions to stay safe:

1. Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every hour, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated, and alcoholic drinks.

2. Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library, or cooling center.

3. Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if you need it. Make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.

“Knowing what to do to protect yourself and loved ones from extreme heat can help save lives,” said Alicia Doherty, Regional Executive. “We’re asking everyone to check on friends and neighbors, especially older adults, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers, and athletes. You can make a difference by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.”

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: Remind everyone to drink water, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Aim for a cup of water every hour and encourage people to avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks. Babies should be breast-fed or bottle-fed often. Fewer wet diapers or darker urine can be signs of dehydration.

Heat Illness Signs:

Heat cramps are signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain. Take action by stopping what you’re doing, resting in a cool place, and slowly sipping water. Don’t drink if you feel sick, and get medical help if cramps last over an hour or you have heart problems.

Heat exhaustion is signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea, or vomiting. Take action by stopping what you’re doing, resting in a cool place, and slowly sipping water. Don’t drink if you feel sick. Loosen your clothes and place a cool, wet cloth on your body. Get medical help if you don’t feel better, vomit, or have heart problems.

Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea, or vomiting. Call 911. Move to a cooler place, remove extra clothing, and use a wet cloth or a cool bath to cool down. Don’t drink anything.

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