LAKE COUNTY, Calif. – Residents will need to prepare to deal with weather conditions when returning to homes affected by the Valley fire, according to Lake County's health officer.

With warming temperatures, everyone needs to be aware of the importance of protecting their health by drinking plenty of water and staying indoors or in the shade as much as possible, according to Dr. Karen Tait, MD.

Tait said it is easy to lose track of water intake when under the stress of the current wildfire incident, particularly those who are displaced from their homes. For that reason, special attention should be given to drinking plenty of water on a regular basis in order to prevent heat-related illness.

Hot weather conditions can pose a substantial health risk, especially in vulnerable populations including young children, the elderly, people with chronic diseases, pregnant women and people with disabilities, Tait said.

Heat-related illnesses include cramps, heat exhaustion and, most seriously, heat stroke and death. Warning signs of heat-related illnesses vary, but may include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, headache, nausea or vomiting, paleness, tiredness or dizziness, according to Tait.

Tips Tait offered to stay safe include:

● Drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.

● Those lacking air conditioning should consider going to a shelter, library, or other public place to cool off for a few hours each day.

● Avoid physical exertion/exercise outdoors during the hottest parts of the day to avoid overheating. Reduce exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when ultraviolet rays are strongest, and keep physical activities to a minimum during that time. When working outside, drink plenty of water or juice even if you are not thirsty, and take rest breaks in the shade.

● Check regularly on elderly who live alone.

● To prevent overheating, use cool compresses, misting, showers and baths. Get medical attention if you experience a rapid, strong pulse, feel delirious, or have a body temperature above 102 degrees.

● Never, ever leave infants, children or frail elderly unattended in a parked car – it can take as little as 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to rise to levels that can kill.

● Wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face and neck, and wear loose-fitting clothing to keep cool and to protect your skin from the sun and mosquitoes.

● Use of sunscreen and mosquito repellent is encouraged.