The region could have a scorching start to next week as the National Weather Service predicts temperatures could climb into the mid-90s Monday and Tuesday.

With that in mind, we’re repeating the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services guidelines to protect against risks related to hot weather.

MDHHS routinely reviews emergency department data for heat-related illness. When daily temperatures rise above 80 degrees — which the region has seen in recent weeks — ED visits for heat-related illness increase because the body cannot cool itself enough, the MDHHS stated in a news release.

The most severe heat-related illnesses are heat exhaustion and heat stroke. If not treated, heat exhaustion can worsen and cause heat stroke or death, MDHHS advised in the news release.

“Michigan residents can take steps to protect themselves from heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive, said in the release. “Young children, older adults and those who have medical conditions are at increased risk for heat-related illness, so be sure to check frequently on them and others in your community who may need additional assistance. Limit time in heat, stay hydrated, avoid direct sunlight and find somewhere with air conditioning or take cool showers.”

To prevent complications from the heat, residents are encouraged to:

— Drink more fluids and avoid liquids with large amounts of sugar or alcohol;

— Limit outdoor activities to when it is coolest in the morning and evening;

— Spend time indoors in air conditioning;

— Wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing;

— Wear sunscreen, as sunburn affects a body’s ability to cool down; and

— Check on elderly neighbors and relatives to determine if they need assistance.

In addition to reaching out to Michigan 211 to locate cooling centers, residents can also spend some time at an air-conditioned store, shopping mall or other public building – even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help.

In addition to staying hydrated and out of the sun, residents are reminded to never leave children or pets alone in a car even with windows cracked. Temperatures inside a car can easily be double the temperature outside. Because a child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult, they are more susceptible to heatstroke.

Heat exhaustion and heatstroke are both forms of heat-related illness. Signs of heat-related illness vary but may include: heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, fainting, extremely high body temperature (above 103°F and tiredness.

Heatstroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its temperature and can result in death if not treated promptly. Humidity can make temperatures feel even hotter and further stress the body’s ability to self-regulate. If heatstroke is suspected, call 911 for immediate medical help and try to cool the person down.

For more information about how to protect from heat-related illness, see the MDHHS Heat Awareness and Safety Fact Sheet at https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/-/media/Project/Websites/mdhhs/Safety-and-Injury-Prevention/Environmental-Health/Climate/Documents/Heat_awareness_and_safety_fact_sheet_final_July_2020_.pdf?rev=10761d503b994da489e2aaad5b96fde2&hash=42D7EC2D3FF4DF4EB24AA952730A4EEC. A version is also available in Spanish.