Amanda Forrester / news@whmi.com

Dangerous heat is heading our way this weekend, and officials want the public to know steps to stay safe.

When factoring in humidity, it will feel nearly 100 degrees or higher across a large portion of the country, including Michigan.

“With parts of our state experiencing very high temperatures over the next week, it is important for Michiganders to take steps to stay cool, safe and healthy,” Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II said. “Limit time in the heat if you can. Stay hydrated. Check on those in your family or community who may need help. Those without access to air conditioning can text or call Michigan 211 or contact their local health department to find nearby cooling centers. Michiganders are strong, and we’ll get through this.”

Tips to stay safe include:

- 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.

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

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services released a list of symptoms for heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Heatstroke is a potentially deadly condition that is caused when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. Symptoms include:

- Heavy sweating

- Muscle cramps

- Weakness

- Dizziness

- Headache

- Nausea

- Vomiting

- Fainting

- Extremely high body temperature (above 103°F)

- Tiredness

If you suspect someone is suffering from heatstroke, call 911 immediately and try to cool them down.

“Michigan residents can take steps to protect themselves from heat exhaustion and heat stroke,” MDHHS Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian said. “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.”

Cooling centers can be found through Michigan 211, which is linked below. The Community Congregational United Church of Christ, located at 125 East Unadilla Street in Pinckney, and the Salvation Army of Livingston, located at 503 Lake Street in Howell, are both listed as cooling centers for the county. Officials said walking around shopping malls or other public buildings that have air conditioning can help.

Officials from Northfield Twp. said fans are effective as long as indoor temperatures are less than 90°F. A fan above that can increase body temperature. Ceiling fan blades should be set to spin counterclockwise to push air down and create a breeze during the summer.

Children and pets should not be left in a car, even if the windows are cracked. Temperatures inside cars increase rapidly, and authorities said it can double the outdoor temperature. A child’s body heats three to five times faster than an adult, making them more susceptible to heatstroke.