The long holiday weekend means people are spending more time outdoors, so the Queen Creek Fire and Medical Department is offering tips to avoid heat stress that can lead to heat stroke.

There is an excessive heat watch for the weekend and QCFMD is asking residents to use caution when staying outside for prolonged periods of time.

Symptoms heat-related illness include:

• Headache, dizziness or fainting
• Weakness and wet skin
• Irritability or confusion
• Thirst, nausea, or vomiting

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has these tips to stay safe in the Valley’s extreme heat:

• Drink plenty of fluids and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink water.
• Avoid liquids that cause you to lose more body fluids such as alcohol and sugary drinks.
• Stay indoors if at all possible.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• If you must be outdoors, rest often in a shady area
• Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and using plenty of sunscreen.

QCMD also warns that children and pets should never be left alone in a vehicle, especially during the summer months, so “‘look before you lock.”

The Humane Society offers the following tips for keeping pets safe in the heat:

• Watch humidity.
• Limit exercise and do not exercise in the heat of the day.
• Provide ample shade and water.
• Cool pets from the inside and out.
• Watch for signs of heatstroke.

Learn more about heat-related illnesses at QueenCreekAZ.gov/SafetyTips.