Keep your cool

Sixteen deaths across Missouri have now been attributed to the current heat wave, including the death of a woman at Trail of Tears State Park this week.

When warnings about hot weather go out, they need to be heeded. Health officials are serious when they say extremely hot weather can cause illness or death.

Common sense is the best way to deal with these hot days:

Try to stay cool.

Drink plenty of liquids.

If you have to work outdoors, drink even more fluids.

Avoid heat-producing activities at home such as baking. Your apple pie can wait until things cool off.

If you have central air, make sure your filters are cleaned or changed regularly.

Watch out for outdoor pets.

Don't set up inflatable pools and then leave them unattended for small children to fall into.

Don't do any outdoor burning.

If you use a charcoal grill, make sure sparks don't reach dry grass.

Most of all, watch out for one another. Make sure your family is taking precautions in the heat. Check on your neighbors. Make sure co-workers have a ride home. And keep your cool while you try to stay cool.

These are all things your mother told you. This would be a good time to listen.