School is out until August, the temperature is hot and no relief is in sight. Although it feels like summer, we’re still three weeks away from the official beginning of the summer season, meaning the hot weather is here to stay.

Of course, we’re used to that in Georgia by now.

Temperatures are expected to stay in the mid to high 80s throughout the week, but long-range forecasts predict they will creep into the 90s by the mid-part of June.

Although we’re accustomed to the hot weather, it doesn’t mean we can’t ignore it and just go about our day as if it doesn’t affect us. The American Red Cross says on its website that it’s important to slow down, stay indoors and avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.

The Red Cross also recommends checking on family, friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning or who spend a lot of their time alone.

Make sure to check on the elderly.

If you don’t have air conditioning, it’s best to go somewhere to get out of the heat, such as schools, libraries, theaters or malls.

There are many things to consider as the weather warms up, but the biggest ones can be common sense.

For instance, wear sunscreen when outdoors, take plenty of cold water if you have to be outside during the hottest part of the day and if you start exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion, find a cool place to sit down.

The hot weather isn’t going anywhere, so it’s best to start preparing now.

The summer is great because it gives us a chance to be outdoors in nice, warm weather, but it can also be dangerous due to the hot temperatures. Make sure to prepare yourself.