Orange County, Fl., The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for all of Central Florida through 8 tonight.  Heat-related deaths and illness are preventable yet annually many people succumb to extreme heat. Orange County Firefighters would like to remind citizens and visitors that the best defense for a heat related emergency is prevention.
Here are some prevention tips:

• Drink more fluids (non - alcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. Ask your doctor how much you should drink while the weather is hot if he or she generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills.
• Don't drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar.  These actually cause you to lose more body fluid. You should also avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.  
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Bathing or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.  
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.  
• NEVER leave a child or pet in a closed, parked vehicle.

Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. 

• Infants and young children 
• People aged 65 or older 
•  People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
  

Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.