YORK COUNTY — As temperatures rose to record-breaking highs throughout New England this week, officials are reminding people to take precaution when hot weather hits.

The National Weather Service posted a heat advisory for York County, and much of Maine, on Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. With humidity rising, the weather service said the heat index, or what the temperature feels like when humidity is factored in, was predicted to be in the high nineties to lower 100s.

“The combination of hot and humid conditions will make it more difficult for the human body to cool itself. This could lead to heat stress or heat exhaustion if precautions are not taken,” warned the National Weather Service.

The National Weather Service advises people to drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room and out of the sun.

People who work or spend time outside should take extra precautions, such as rescheduling strenuous activity to early morning, wearing lightweight and loose- fitting clothing and drinking plenty of water.

Those who work outside should take frequent rest breaks in a shaded or air-conditioned environment and anyone overcome with heat should go to a cool and shaded area.

“It’s important for everyone to realize that warm weather can be dangerous,” said Patricia Murtagh, CEO of the Maine Region of the American Red Cross in a written statement.

The Red Cross estimates that extreme heat kills more than 600 people in the United States a year.

Some people, including elderly, children and those with medical conditions, are more at risk in hot weather.

The Red Cross further advises people to never leave children or pets in a parked car in hot weather, as the temperatures in a car can get dangerously hot.

While trying to stay hydrated, avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.

The Red Cross reminds people to make sure pets have an adequate supply of water.

The Red Cross suggests people check up on family, friends or neighbors who don’t have air conditioning or spend much of their time alone. Those who don’t have air conditioning can seek relief during the warmest part of the day at places like shopping malls, libraries and movie theaters.

Excessive heat can lead to sunburn, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

If someone is experiencing heat cramps in the legs or abdomen, get them to a cooler place, have them rest, lightly stretch the affected muscle and replenish their fluids with a half a glass of cool water every 15 minutes, advises the Red Cross.

If someone has symptoms of heat exhaustion, which includes cool, moist, pale or flushed skin, heavy sweating, headache, nausea, dizziness, weakness and exhaustion, the Red Cross advises to move the person to a cooler place, remove or loosen tight clothing and spray them with water or apply cool, wet cloths or towels to the skin. Fan the person and give them small amounts of cool water to drink, making sure they drink it slowly. If the person refuses water, vomits or begins to lose consciousness, call 9-1-1.

The Red Cross advises to call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke, which include hot, red skin that may be dry or moist, changes in consciousness, vomiting and high body temperature. If a person has signs of heat stroke move them to a cooler place and cool their body down by immersing them up to their neck in cold water if possible, or if not, douse or spray them with cold water or cover them with ice or cold, wet towels.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 325 or [email protected].