Durham, N.C. - The Emergency Management Division of the Durham County Office of Emergency Services reminds Durham County residents to stay safe during these times of extreme heat. As always, anytime the heat index reaches 100, Durham County Government opens our libraries as cooling centers. These library locations can be used to get out of the heat during their normal business hours. Find that information at DurhamCountyLibrary.org.

The Emergency Management Division also shares some important tips to stay safe in extreme heat.

People at greatest risk for heat-related illness can take the following protective actions to prevent illness or death:

Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as you can. Air-conditioning is the number one way to protect yourself against heat-related illness and death. If your home is not air-conditioned, reduce your risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned and using air conditioning in vehicles. Contact your local health department or locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.

Do not rely on a fan as your main cooling device during an extreme heat event.

Drink more water than usual, and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink.

Pace yourself! Slow and steady is better than fast and furious!

Check on friends and neighbors and have someone check on you.

Limit use of the stove and oven "” it will make you and your house hotter.

Take cool showers or baths to cool down.

Check on friends and neighbors and have someone check on you.

Never leave children or pets in cars.

Check the local news for health and safety updates.

Visit www.ready.gov/heat for more tips on staying safe.

Even young and healthy people can get sick from the heat if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather:

Limit your outdoor activity, especially midday when the sun is hottest.

Pace yourself. Start activities slowly and pick up the pace gradually.

Drink more water than usual, and don't wait until you're thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.

Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

If you play a sport that practices during hot weather, protect yourself and look out for your teammates:

Schedule workouts and practices earlier or later in the day when the temperature is cooler.

Monitor a teammate's condition and have someone do the same for you.

Seek medical care right away if you or a teammate has symptoms of heat-related illness.

Learn more about how to protect young athletes from heat-related illness by taking this course from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).