“Heat can kill by pushing the human body beyond its limits. In extreme heat and high humidity, the body must work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature,” according to American Red Cross health and safety expert Mary Hofmann of Vernon Township. Here are some tips: Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach over 140 degrees within minutes. Air conditioning provides the safest escape from extreme heat, but if your home does not have air conditioning, go elsewhere during the warmest part of the day. Stay indoors, on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing that will cover as much skin as possible. Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, which will keep direct sunlight off your head and face. Sunlight can burn and warm the inner core of your body. Drink plenty of water and other fluids even if you do not feel thirsty. Avoid drinks with alcohol or caffeine in them. They can make you feel good briefly, but make the heat’s effects on your body worse. Slow down. Reduce, eliminate or reschedule strenuous activities. Get plenty of rest to allow your natural “cooling system” to work. If you must do strenuous activity, do it during the coolest part of the day, which is usually in the morning between 4 and 7 a.m. Take frequent breaks if you must work outdoors. Watch for these signals: * Heat cramps: Muscular pains and spasms. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are often the first signal that the body is having trouble. Get the person to a cooler place and have him rest in a comfortable position. Lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish fluids. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Do not give liquids with alcohol or caffeine in them. * Heat exhaustion: Cool, moist, pale, or flushed skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness and exhaustion. One’s body temperature may be normal, or rising. Get the person out of the heat and into a cooler place. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool, wet cloths. If the person is conscious, give cool water to drink slowly. Give a half glass of cool water every 15 minutes. Let the victim rest in a comfortable position, and watch carefully for changes in his or her condition. * Heat stroke: Hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse and rapid, shallow breathing. Body temperature can be very high sometimes as high as 105 degrees. If the person was sweating from heavy work or exercise, skin may be wet; otherwise, it will feel dry. Heat stroke is a life-threatening situation. Call 9-1-1.