Central and Western Arizona are under an excessive heat warning from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday.  That could mean an increase in heat-related problems for emergency responders in metro Phoenix.  KJZZ's Dennis Lambert discussed the heat and how to handle it with Jorge Enriquez of the Phoenix Fire Department.

Tips for Preventing Heat-Related Illness

• The best defense is prevention.
• Drink more fluids like water and beverages containing electrolytes.
• Don’t drink alcoholic or sugary drinks like soda. Also, avoid very cold drinks, which can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day. Be physically active early in the morning and later at night after the sun goes down.
• Wear lightweight, light color, and loose fitting clothing.
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide brim hat.
• Never leave a person or an animal in a hot car.
• Infants, small children, and the elderly are the most vulnerable to heat-related illness.
• Watch yourself and other for signs heat cramps (muscular pains and spasms), heat exhaustion (profuse sweating and paleness), and heat stroke (person turns red, feels warm to the touch, and perspiration has stopped). Call emergency services (911) if a person shows signs of heat stroke, the worst heat-related illness.

 Sources: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Phoenix Fire Department