As summer heats up, learn how to prepare for high temperatures.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sickness from the heat occurs when your body cannot compensate and properly cool you off. However, heat-related illness and death are preventable.

Before the next heat wave, outdoor activity, or Fourth of July celebration, follow these protective actions from the CDC and stay cool this summer:

• Stay in an air-conditioned location as much as possible.
• Drink plenty of fluids even if you do not feel thirsty.
• Take several breaks from the heat, especially midday when the sun is hottest.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing, and sunscreen. Remember that you should reapply sunscreen every three to four hours.
• Take cool showers or baths to cool down.
• Check on friends or neighbors during extremely hot days and have someone do the same for you.
• Never leave children or pets in cars.
• Check the local news for health and safety updates.

Find more information on extreme heat preparedness at www.ready.gov/heat .

National Pet Preparedness Month is in full swing and with summer heating up and hurricane season underway, there is no better time to learn how to keep your pets safe in the event of severe weather.

Prepare your pets now for hurricanes, extreme heat, and other hazards by creating a pet emergency kit.

Get started by following these tips from the Ready Campaign :

• Food: Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
• First aid kit: Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet's emergency medical needs. Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, bandage tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention supplies; latex gloves; isopropyl alcohol; and saline solution. Include a pet first aid reference book as well.
• Collar with ID tag, harness or leash: Your pet should wear a collar with a vaccinations tag and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag in your pet's emergency supply kit.
• Familiar items: Put favorite toys, treats, or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.

Your pets cannot prepare for an emergency, but you can. Find additional information for preparing your pets in the Pet Owners Fact Sheet .

While enjoying a barbeque, a Fourth of July celebration, a day at the beach, or another outdoor activity this summer, stay ahead of the weather with real-time emergency alerts and warnings.

According to the 2015 Federal Emergency Management Agency National Household Survey , three out of four people know how to get real-time alerts and warnings ahead of a storm. Be sure to join them!

Stay safe in the event of severe weather with real-time emergency alerts on your cellular phone or tablet. Keep yourself prepared for the unexpected by receiving information about emergencies in your area.

Review the Know Your Alerts and Warnings fact sheet from Prepareathon to receive alerts as soon as possible and take the next step by downloading the FEMA App .