It’s summer in Natchez, and we all know what that means. But no matter how many years you’ve lived in the South, sometimes we forget just how hot it can become, how hot a 110-degree heat index feels, and how dangerous both are.

We all need to take extra precautions to avoid heat exhaustion, severe sunburn and other heat-related problems.

The state department of health recommends these tips for all people:

4Seek shade especially during midday when UV rays are strongest and do most damage. Avoid direct exposure between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and seek shade under an umbrella or tree.

4Cover up with clothing to protect exposed skin. Loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and long pants made from tightly woven fabric offer the best protection.

4Grab a pair of shades that wrap around and block as close to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays as possible. Sunglasses protect both the eyes and tender skin around the eyes from sun exposure.

4Get a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears and neck. UV rays can reach anyone on cloudy and hazy days as well as bright and sunny days

4Use sunscreen with SPF-15 or higher. Sunscreens come in a variety of forms, including lotions, gels and sprays. Choose the one that works best for you.

But we also need to help take special care of senior citizens and children. Every summer it seems we see a story from somewhere in America in which a child dies in a locked, parked car; we hope never to see that happen here.

If you know an older resident, check in on him or her to make sure they are OK.

The health department recommends these tips for older residents:

4Keep cool by staying indoors or under shade.

4Get out to air-conditioned public spaces if you don’t have air conditioning at home.

4Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.

4Avoid strenuous activity during the day or any time the temperature is high.