Don't let heat become old hat

We hope people have heard the message about not leaving kids and dogs in hot cars; recent national news stories have concerned deaths of both, such as a dog that died after police finally broke into a parked car, and an infant who died after parents forgot him in the car following a shopping trip.

Remember, a car, even with windows slightly open, can become dangerously hot even on a relatively cool day.

Yes, we're halfway through the summer season, but with triple-digit temperatures on the way this weekend, it's a good time for a reminder for those of us who spend most of our time in air conditioning.

Make sure your dog has plenty of shade and cool water if left outdoors, or let it stay inside if possible.

The USDA is warning livestock producers that high temperatures and humidity, low wind speeds and clear skies will create especially dangerous conditions for cattle on Sunday.

They urge owners to check water flow, organize extra water sources such as livestock tanks and delivery tanks; develop a plan for emergency water supplies such as contacting neighbors and firefighters to wet down cattle if necessary.

Cattle -- and dogs -- with reduced lung capacity because of previous illness, and with black coats are especially vulnerable to the heat and should be moved to empty pens or shade as soon as possible.

While sprinklers can be used in a pinch, there is also danger that they will increase humidity for the following hot days.

And, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration is reminding employers to protect workers who may be exposed to extreme heat.

That includes firefighters, bakery workers, farmers, construction workers factory workers, especially those who are 65 or older, overweight, have heart disease, high blood pressure or take medications.

Each year since 2008, according to OSHA, more than 100 people were heat-related fatalities, and since 2003, heat-related illnesses numbered some 31,260.

OSHA recently opened an investigation into the death of a 30-year-old oilfield worker who died from a heat stroke June 30 near Great Bend, Kan.

We shouldn't be surprised when temperatures climb into the 100s in Southwest Nebraska and Northwest Kansas if we've lived in this area for any amount of time.

But let's not get complacent about the heat and make sure we take care of our pets, our friends, families and employees, and ourselves in the coming days.