With Memorial Day behind us all now, the summer season officially begins in earnest.

Over the last couple of days, it’s certainly felt as if summer was already here in full force.

As temperatures touched the low 90s yesterday and are expected to do so again today, it’s a good time to consider the dangers of high heat during the summer months.

In addition to the obvious sun burns that can result, heat exhaustion can also materialize quickly as people exert themselves in the oppressive summer heat.

The elderly, the young, those who must work outside and pets are most susceptible to heat-related health problems.

Experts tell us to take the heat seriously, slow down and stay hydrated for starters. Avoiding work outside at the hottest times of the day is best.

Among the most common sense, but also potentially most tragic is the simple reality of paying attention to young children and pets inside hot automobiles. One of the best solutions for this is to place your purse, wallet, cell phone or even your left shoe in the back seat of the car next to the child. In many cases, their being “missed” will quickly avoid a crisis.

The summer is just beginning so stay cool and check on those friends, neighbors and acquaintances who do not have air conditioning to ensure they’re safe as the mercury rises.