Here's how to prevent heat-related illness if you have to be outside in extreme temperatures

INDIANAPOLIS — An excessive heat watch is in effect until Tuesday across central Indiana. 

The National Weather Service is predicting "dangerously hot conditions" on Tuesday, Aug. 27, with heat index values expected to reach a whopping 107 degrees. 

Heat-related illness significantly increases during extreme heat and high humidity events. 

While everyone is at risk of heat-related illnesses, officials said the groups that are particularly high-risk include infants and young children, older adults, people who overexert during work or exercise, people who are physically ill (especially with heart disease or high blood pressure) and people who take certain medications (for depression, insomnia or pool circulation). 

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If you have to be outside during the sweltering heat, here are some tips you should follow:

(Descriptions provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

Do not leave kids or anyone else in cars:

• Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car, even if the windows are cracked open.
• To remind yourself that a child is in the car, keep a stuffed animal in the car seat. When the child is buckled in, place the stuffed animal in the front with the driver.
• When leaving your car, check to be sure everyone is out of the car. Do not overlook any children who have fallen asleep in the car.

Wear appropriate clothing: 

• Choose lightweight, loose-fitting clothing.

Stay cool indoors: 

• Stay in an air-conditioned place as much as possible.
• If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the shopping mall or public library—even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
• Call your local health department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in your area.
• Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.
• Take a cool shower or bath to cool off.

Schedule outdoor activities carefully: 

• Try to limit your outdoor activity to when it’s coolest, like morning and evening hours.
• Rest often in shady areas so that your body has a chance to recover.

RELATED: Hoosiers preparing for excessive heat this week

Pace yourself:

• Cut down on exercise during the heat.
• If you’re not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually.

Wear sunscreen: 

• If you must go outdoors, protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to going out.
• Continue to reapply it according to the package directions.

Drink plenty of fluids: 

• Drink more fluids, regardless of how active you are.
• Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Stay away from very sugary or alcoholic drinks—these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
• Avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.

Check for updates: 

• Check the local news for extreme heat alerts and safety tips and to learn about any cooling shelters in your area.

Know the signs: 

• Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness. 
• 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.

Click here for more information about heat-related illnesses.