An extended period of hot and humid weather will mean extra precautions for residents to stay safe and healthy.

"The weather forecast calls for some very warm temperatures in the coming days," said Madison Mayor Paul Soglin. "One of the most important things we should all keep in mind is to keep watch on friends and neighbors who may not have air conditioning. Please check on elderly neighbors and if possible, invite them to your home."

Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor against heat-related illness and death. During conditions of extreme heat, spend time in locations with air-conditioning such as shopping malls, public libraries, senior centers and other public buildings.

Water related activities in Madison Parks are one way to help people cool down.

Cypress Spray Park, 902 Magnolia Lane - FREE open daily 11a.m. - 7p.m.

Regional Beaches: Daily 11a.m. - 7p.m. FREE
BB Clarke Beach, 835 Spaight St.
Olbrich Park Beach, 3527 Atwood Ave
Tenney Park Beach, 1414 E. Johnson St.
Vilas Park Beach, 702 S. Randall St.

Neighborhood Beaches: 12:30-4:30p.m. FREE
Bernies Beach, 901 Gilson St.
Esther Beach, 2802 Waunona Way
James Madison Park Beach, 614 E. Gorham St.
Olin Park Beach, 1156 Olin-Turville Court
Spring Harbor Beach, 1918 Norman Way
Warner Park Beach, 2930 N. Sherman Ave.

Check the beach website for Public Health closings: www.cityofmadison.com/beaches

Goodman Pool, 325 W. Olin Ave, Recreation Swim from 12:30-4:30p.m. & 6:15-8:00p.m.
Kids are $3.00, Adults are $4.50

Older adults and young children are particularly susceptible to extreme heat. If you are 65 years of age or older, have a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check on them at least twice a day.

The most common forms of heat-related illness are heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and cramping. Heat stroke is an emergency in which the body loses its ability to cool itself. To respond to heat stroke, CALL 911 or go to the closest emergency room.

To protect your health when temperatures are extremely high, remember to keep cool and stay hydrated. Drink plenty of cool fluids - alcohol and drinks with large amounts of sugar can actually cause you to lose more body fluid.

By using common sense and showing compassion for those around us, we can have a safe and healthy summer.