Airmen urged to take precautions during heat wave Published July 27, 2011 By Compiled report Scott Air Force Base, Ill. -- Due to the continued heat index, Scott Air Force Base safety officials offer the following tips to keep cool this summer and avoid heat injury: -Drink plenty of fluids, regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. -Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen. Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing and apply SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out and continue to reapply according to the directions. -Schedule outdoor activities carefully. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours and rest often in shady areas. -Use a Wingman. When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. -Use common sense: · Avoid hot foods and heavy meals. · Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts and minerals in your body. · Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella. · Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and in places of potential severe exposure such as beaches. · Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car.