Though summer doesn’t officially begin until next weekend, the hot weather associated with the season in this part of the country is definitely upon us already.

Temperatures are climbing into the 90s, and that is a dangerous threshold. In a story on the front page of this edition of The Clanton Advertiser, local health officials cautioned against heat exhaustion and the problems it causes, such as nausea, vomiting, muscle cramps and dizziness.

Heatstroke—which can be signaled by the absence of sweating, a rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, strange behavior, disorientation, confusion and seizures—is also a concern.

Of course, those that spend time outside during the day should drink plenty of fluids and rest in the shade whenever possible.

But there’s another we can protect ourselves, and that is to look out for each other. Whether it’s a fellow golfer at the country club or a relative at home doing yard work, check those around you to make sure they’re OK and notify emergency personnel if they’re not.

In this weather, it can be the difference between life and death.