If you suspect that someone is suffering from a heat-related illness:

* Call 911 if you suspect heat stroke.

* Get the person out of the heat and into a shady, air-conditioned or other cool place. Urge them to lie down.

* If the person can swallow safely, offer fluids such as water and fruit or vegetable juices, but not alcohol or caffeine.

* Apply a cold, wet cloth to the wrists, neck, armpits, and groin. These are places where blood passes close to the surface of the skin, and a cold cloth can help cool the blood.

* Encourage the person to shower, bathe, or sponge off with cool water if it is safe to do so.

If you are having a hard time paying for home cooling and heating costs, there are some resources that might help. Contact the National Energy Assistance Referral service (link is external), your local Area Agency on Aging (link is external), senior center, or social service agency.