Stay safe as summer heats up. Prepare yourself for the 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, or outdoor activity, 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 as indicated on the package.
• 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 .

Where there is smoke, there could be fire! Wildfires can occur anywhere, any time of the year, and destroy homes, businesses, and natural resources.

According to the National Fire Protection Association , nearly 45 million homes and 72,000 U.S. communties face the risk of wildfires.

However, you can prepare yourself, your business, and where you live in the event you may experience a wildfire emergency . Get started by:

• Watching the Federal Emergency Management Agency's wildfire animation – When the Fire Starts . 
• Reviewing your homeowner's or renter's insurance policy to ensure you have the adequate coverage for your property and personal belongings.
• Removing flammable items, such as firewood piles and portable propane tanks, within 30 feet of all structures and discarding any dry or dead vegetation from up to 100 feet around your home.
• Learning and practicing evacuation routes from your home or business to an area that is not affected by the wildfire. The best action to protect yourself and your family is to evacuate early, and so you can avoid being trapped. 

Wildfires can occur any time of the year but are especially prevalent during drier weather. Learn more with the How to Prepare for a Wildfire Guide .

Gary Boggs, a retired U.S. Army Sergeant, purchased flood insurance from the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) to protect his Jacksonville, FL rental property. Hurricane Irma flooded the property with nearly a foot of water.

“Part of being a responsible homeowner or property owner is having flood insurance,” Boggs said. “Had it not been for flood insurance, I don't know what would have happened. With my flood insurance, I know there is a light at the end of the tunnel.”

Watch this Survivor Story video to learn how the NFIP helped this 10-year Army veteran rebuild. For more information on flood insurance, visit www.floodsmart.gov .