We're experiencing our first heat wave of the summer, with temperatures and heat indexes approaching triple digits throughout the week. Dr. Jeremy Sperling, Associate Director of the Emergency Department at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell, answers the frequently asked questions about how to stay safe in elevated temperatures.

Heat Wave Resources 

Find a Cooling Center | Tips to Beat the Heat | Guide to Heat Related Illness | Pets and Heat | NWS Forecast for the Area

Heat tip #1: Drink water well in advance of actually feeling thirsty. (And sorry, with coffee/beer you lose more fluid than you gain)

— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 16, 2013

Heat Tip #2: Signs of heat stroke: altered mental behavior, body temp rising quickly. Immediately call 911.

— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 16, 2013

Heat Tip #3: A fan doesn't always cut it. AC really is best - get to a cooling center or shopping mall, etc. http://t.co/vgwkY22vQQ

— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 16, 2013

Heat Tip #4: Resist the urge to workout outdoors. Once you start to feel the heat it may be too late. Take it easy, or go to gym.

— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 16, 2013

Heat Tip #5: In high humidity, it's harder to cool your body down, sweat doesn't do its job. So, heat index matters. http://t.co/vgwkY22vQQ

— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 16, 2013

Heat Tip #6: Elderly are more at risk because many medications get in way of normal body temp regulation. Keep particular eye on elderly.

— Brian Lehrer Show (@BrianLehrer) July 16, 2013