Knoxville Hospital and Clinics is reminding the community of heat safety.

South Central Iowa has seen dangerously high temperatures the last couple of days as we currently sit in what is traditionally the hottest part of the summer and the hospital wants everyone to practice safety and know the difference between heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Heat exhaustion can be usually treated with rest and hydration and can include symptoms of dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness, mood changes, upset stomach, vomiting and more.

Heat stroke should be treated as a medical emergency and if someone is demonstrating symptoms of heat stroke, 911 should be called or the individual should be taken to the emergency room. Heat stroke symptoms include dry/pale skin with no sweating, irritability, confusion, seizures, inability to think straight and more. 

When the weather gets hot, hydration is the most important way to battle heat illness.