The Lake Havasu City Fire, Rescue & EMS officials urge the public to know signs of heat-related stress and avoid strenuous outdoor activity as the U.S. National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning this week.

Individuals suffer heat-related illness when the body's temperature control system is overloaded and the body can no longer cool itself.  It is important to know the early warning signs and take action.  When a person is excessively sweating, has dizziness, headache, nausea/vomiting or feels weak, they are showing signs of heat exhaustion. If the person does not feel better 10-15 minutes after going inside and drinking water, call  9-1-1.  Call 9-1-1 if a person becomes confused, passes out from the heat or stops sweating.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside.  When possible, reschedule strenuous activities such as hiking or bicycling to early morning.  Heat-related illness is preventable and it is best to stay out of the sun during extreme heat conditions.  To reduce the risk when working, schedule frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments, and drink plenty of fluids.

Remember, young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Common symptoms of a heat-related illness include:

• Heavy sweating
• Paleness
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Dizziness
• Shallow breathing
• Rapid but weakened pulse rate
• If heat exhaustion is left untreated, it may progress to heat stroke, a severe form

  of heat illness.