The middle of the country will see dangerous high temperatures this week as extreme heat covers the Plains, Mississippi Valley and Southeast. In the Desert Southwest, temperatures could go as high as 120 degrees by next weekend, about 12 degrees above normal in a region which normally sees warm weather this time of year.

The American Red Cross reminds everyone that these high temperatures are extremely dangerous ─ the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the United States. The Red Cross is monitoring the heat to respond if necessary and has steps people can follow to help them stay safe during the high temperatures this week.

BLOOD SUPPLY CRISIS Meanwhile, the American Red Cross has declared only the second national blood supply crisis in its history after blood donations fell to a four-year summer low, deepening an emergency shortage that threatens the availability of lifesaving blood for patients across the country. Despite thousands of people answering the call to give, blood donations are not keeping pace with hospital demand — which is up during the summer trauma season. Extreme heat, poor air quality and widespread foodborne illnesses are contributing to lower donor turnout this summer, further straining the nation’s blood supply. Don’t wait. Those who may be eligible are urged to book an appointment now at RedCrossBlood.org or 1-800-RED CROSS.

HEAT SAFETY STEPS The Red Cross recommends taking three steps in extreme heat ─ stay hydrated, stay cool and stay connected.

• Stay hydrated by drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks.
• Stay cool by spending time in air-conditioned places. If your home is too hot, go to a mall, library or cooling center.
• Stay connected by checking on others and asking for help if you need it.

Don’t forget your furry friends. Visit here to find heat safety steps for your pets.

KNOW THE SIGNS OF HEAT ILLNESS Extreme heat can make anyone sick and it’s critical to act fast. The Red Cross recommends learning the warning signs and knowing what to do so you can react quickly.

Some people are at higher risk of getting sick because their bodies have a harder time staying cool. This includes older adults, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions or disabilities. Individuals who take certain medications are at higher risk for heat related injury and illness and should consult their medical provider for guidance on managing their medication during periods of extreme heat. Athletes, outdoor workers and people without air conditioning are also at higher risk for heat illness.

• Heat cramps are an early sign of trouble and signaled by heavy sweating and muscle pain. Stop what you’re doing, rest in a cool place and drink a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes. If you feel sick to your stomach, pause drinking. Get medical help if cramps last more than two hours or you have heart problems.
• Heat exhaustion is more serious and signaled by heavy sweating, weakness, cool and clammy skin, muscle cramps, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Stop what you’re doing, rest in a cool place and drink a cup of water — or a sports drink — every 20 minutes. Loosen your clothes and place a cool, wet cloth on your body. Get medical help if you’re vomiting, don’t feel better in an hour, or if you have heart or kidney problems.
• Heat stroke is a deadly condition signaled by high body temperature, rapid heartbeat, confusion, headache, dizziness, fainting, nausea or vomiting. Take action by calling 911. Move to a cool place, remove extra clothing and use a wet cloth or a cool bath to cool down. If possible, sip a sports drink or water.

Here are more steps to help keep you safe as temperatures rise:

• Think about how you’ll stay cool. If you have air conditioning, make sure it’s working properly. Consider where you can go to cool off if the power goes out.
• If you don’t have air conditioning and your home becomes too hot, think about where you’ll go, how you’ll get there and what you’ll take with you.
• If you are older, pregnant, take medication or have a chronic condition or disability, your body may have a harder time cooling down during extreme heat. Talk to your doctor about how you can stay healthy.
• Make sure you have supplies to keep medication cool and equipment charged, especially during a power outage.
• If you’re an athlete, think about how you can alter your exercise schedule to avoid the hottest times of the day or work out indoors.
• If you work outdoors, find out if you can alter your schedule to avoid the hottest times of the day. Consider how you’ll stay hydrated and find a cool place to take breaks.
• Sign up for free emergency alerts from your local government to stay updated about heat waves and the location of open cooling centers.
• Make sure pets have access to fresh water and shade.