Summer officially started this week, but the heat and humidity it brings made their arrival weeks ago.

Lincoln County has already experienced its first heat advisory of the season and many more will likely come. Though we are accustomed to heat here in the South, you never really get used to triple-digit heat index values.

Those kinds of temperatures can be dangerous, especially if you don’t have air conditioning. Every summer, dozens of people die as a result of heat.

Below are a few heat-related safety tips from the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency. Many of these are common sense, and putting them into practice could save lives.

• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the sun.

• Stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine if air conditioning is not available.

• Consider spending the warmest part of the day in public buildings such as libraries, schools, movie theaters, shopping malls and other community facilities.

• Drink plenty of water. People who have epilepsy or heart, kidney or liver disease; are on fluid-restricted diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.

• Limit intake of alcoholic beverages.

• Dress in loose-fitting, lightweight and light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.

• Protect face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat.

• Check on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

• Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.

• Avoid strenuous work during the warmest part of the day. Use a buddy system when working in extreme heat and take frequent breaks.