• Related article: Heat advisory issued for Ann Arbor area through Saturday; near-record temps expected

As temperatures climb into the 90s and above, the Washtenaw County Public Health Department invites residents who need a place to cool off to come to the County Human Services building or area public libraries during business hours today.

Drinking water will be provided in the atrium area of the helath building at 555 Towner St., Ypsilanti.

The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for southeast Michigan, including the Ann Arbor area, that’s effective until 9 p.m. Saturday. The weather service warned that several days of above-90 temperatures could cause heat-related illnesses.

A high temperature of near 100 degrees was expected Thursday afternoon. At noon, the thermometer already stood at 90 degrees in Ann Arbor. The weather service also said high temperatures of 90 or above will continue through Saturday.

Although Washtenaw County Public Health is monitoring the heat, the local Heatwave Response Plan has not been activated at this time, the department said in a news release. If it becomes activated, designated public cooling centers will open for extended hours and emergency transportation will be available.

Washtenaw County Emergency Management, the American Red Cross, Public Health and local partners are monitoring the situation. Public Health is conducting surveillance of heat-related illnesses and will issue public information through the media, as needed. For official updates, visit http://publichealth.ewashtenaw.org, or call 211, check AnnArbor.com or listen to WEMU 89.1 FM.

Health officials encouraged all residents to take steps to avoid heat-related illness. “Some residents may be more vulnerable to the heat,” Cindra James, emergency preparedness administrator for public health, said in the news release. “Cooling off - even briefly - may help prevent heat-related illness.”

Older people, infants, children and people with underlying health conditions or who take certain medications may be more sensitive to the hot conditions, the department warned. Outdoor work or physical activity may increase the risk of illness. Officials urged area residents to stay hydrated, to cool off and to know the warning signs of severe heat-related illness. Anyone who suspects heat-related illness should dial 911.

The health department offered these tips to avoid problems in the heat:

• Use an air conditioner or go to a cooler place. Spending a few hours a day in air conditioning can reduce your risk for heat-related illness.
• Drink extra water to stay hydrated. Avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol.
• Take a cool shower or bath.
• Avoid outdoor exercise and physical activity during the hottest part of the day. Or, reduce or eliminate any outdoor activities during a heat wave.
• Stay out of the sun. If you must be in the sun, wear thin and light-colored clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Wear sunscreen and re-apply every two hours.
• Check on family, neighbors and friends. Help them get to a cool place if necessary.
• Never leave children, older adults or pets in parked vehicles. Vehicles heat up very quickly and can become dangerous, even with the windows open.

Prevent heat-related illnesses

The department also provided the following information about heat-related illnesses and how to recognize them:

The most serious heat-related illness is heat stroke. It occurs when the body cannot regulate its temperature. A person’s body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher in 10 to 15 minutes. The person will be unable to sweat or cool down. Warning signs may include:

• Body temperature of 103°F or higher
• Red, hot and dry skin (no sweating
• Rapid, strong pulse
• Throbbing headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea, confusion or unconsciousness

Call 911 for immediate medical assistance if heat stroke is suspected. Cool the victim, if possible. If the victim’s muscles are twitching uncontrollably, do not give him or her liquids. Other, less-serious heat-related illnesses include:

• Heat exhaustion, a milder form of heat-related illness that can progress into heat stroke. Heat exhaustion may require medical attention.
• Heat cramps, muscle pains or spasms that may occur with strenuous activities.
• Heat rash, a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating during hot, humid weather.
• For more information on heat-related illness, visit www.ewashtenaw.org/heat.

For updated conditions and forecasts any time, visit AnnArbor.com's weather page.