To avoid heat exhaustion and overexposure to the sun, follow these steps to stay cool and safe this summer:

1. Stay hydrated.
2. Wear lightweight clothing. To keep your body temperature down and stay protected from UV radiation, wear lightweight, light-colored, and loose-fitting clothing. 
3. Apply sunscreen. Approximately 30 minutes before heading outside, apply SPF 15 or higher sunscreen, and reapply every two hours.
4. Protect your eyes and face. Wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes from sun damage and the development of cataracts. 
5. Seek shade. Find shade during the sun's peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to reduce the risk of too much sun exposure
6. Teach sun and heat safety. Keep an eye on others, particularly the elderly, remind them to be safe in the sun and the heat. Watch for signs of heat illnesses, which can include hot and dry skin, confusion, hallucinations, and aggression.
7. Check the UV Index. When planning outdoor activities check the UV Index to identify the times that pose the greatest risk for overexposure to the sun.
8. Check the Air Quality Index. On hot summer days, ozone levels can rise making the air unhealthy to breathe so be sure to check the air quality index before heading outside.