With the heat wave the region has seen over the past several days, the summer season officially begins on Monday.

Children have firmly traded the books and classrooms for pools and families are heading out to various destinations on vacation. However, while outside throughout the summer, it is important to be conscientious to the threats and dangers the temperatures bring.

While it is great to get outside and plant a garden, being at the ballpark or even visiting the local pool, those dangers can arise quickly.

Being aware and prepared can potentially reduce or alleviate many of those risks, and below are some tips from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Center for Disease Control (CDC).

• Drink plenty of water or other non-alcoholic beverages.

• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing that is light in color.

• Reduce strenuous activities or do them during the cooler parts of the day.

• Seek shade, especially during midday hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), when UV rays are strongest and do the most damage.

• Wear a hat with a wide brim to shade the face, head, ears, and neck.

• Rub on sunscreen with sun protective factor (SPF) 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection.

• Check on those most at-risk twice a day.

• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more fluids.

• Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.

Taking these measures can help ensure that your summer remain safe and fun for all residents.