As the weather heats up, more people will be heading outdoors to do yard work or play sports, among other activities. And some people — like plant and field employees at LG&E, KU and WKE — perform their jobs in the outdoors.

Naturally, the summer months bring an increase in heat-related illness, such as heat stroke or heat exhaustion. In extreme cases, heat can cause death; an average of 400 heat-related deaths occur each year in the United States.

It's important to take preventive measures to avoid any heat-related illness. Keep these tips in mind this summer as you venture outdoors.

• Drink more fluids, regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Avoid liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar. These types of drinks actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
• Stay indoors and, if possible, stay in an air-conditioned place.
• Take a cool shower as a way to lower your body temperature.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• Never leave anyone in a closed vehicle.
• Regularly check on infants, young children, people age 65 or older, people who have a mental illness and those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure.
• Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
• For each hour you are physically active outside, drink two to four glasses of fluids.
• Protect yourself by wearing a hat and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. The most effective sunscreen products say "broad spectrum" or "UVA/UVB protection" on their labels.