Warning signs of health risks in warm weather

With near record temperatures expected this weekend, health professionals are warning people in Western New York to stay hydrated and out of the sun. The Erie County Department of Health issued a health warning for the anticipated extreme heat.

To see the latest forecast from the 7 First Alert Weather team, click here.

The department of health wants people to be alert and on the lookout for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. This is particularly important for vulnerable groups like children, the elderly and people who work or play outside.

Signs of heat exhaustion include feeling faint or dizzy, excessive sweating, cool, pale, clammy skin, nausea or vomiting, rapid, weak pulse and muscle cramps. The best thing to do if someone is showing signs of heat exhaustion is to get him or her to a cooler, air conditioned place, have him or her drink water if they are conscious and let him or her take a cool shower or use cold compresses.

Signs of heat stroke include throbbing headache, no sweating, body temperature above 103 degrees, red, hot, dry skin, nausea or vomiting, rapid, strong pulse, may lose consciousness. If some is showing signs of heat stroke, you should call 911 and take immediate action to cool the person until help arrives.

For more information from Erie County about what to do in extreme heat click here.

For a list of cooling centers in Buffalo, click here.