As sweltering heat descends on the D.C. area, use these tips to stay safe and find places to cool off.

Warm Weather Safety Precautions

The D.C. Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency recommends these steps to beat the heat.

• Turn on an air conditioner or fan.
• Do not leave children or pets in vehicles.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Wear light-colored, lightweight and loose-fitting clothes.
• Limit exposure to the sun. The sun is most powerful between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.
• If you must go outside, apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going out.
• Avoid alcoholic drinks and caffeinated beverages.

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AAA Warm-Weather Travel Tips

• Take care in transporting older people or young children during the heat of the day, and never leave anyone in a parked car.
• Slake the thirst. Children dehydrate much faster than adults. Carry water for children and older persons. Encourage your passengers to drink more than their thirst requires.
• If a child is locked inside a vehicle, get him or her out as quickly as possible.
• If a child is hot or appears sick, call 911 or your local emergency number immediately.
• After returning home from shopping or a trip to the grocery store, always remove the child first before removing the groceries, items and shopping bags.
• If your child is in day care, make sure the center and workers have a plan that safeguards children from being left alone on buses, vans or in cars.
• If you spot a child locked in a car on a hot day, call 911 right away.
• Share the word. Do not be afraid to tell parents or caregivers about the dangers when you see anyone leaving children unattended in a vehicle.

For more, check out nbc4.com's complete summer weather survival guide.
Also see nbc4.com's Safe and Secure section.

Cooling Centers

D.C. Government Heat, Cooling Center Info