By StatePoint

Summer can be hot, sticky and downright uncomfortable. It can also be dangerous if you are not prepared.

Cope with the heat this summer and stay healthy and safe with these helpful tips.

• Maintain your air conditioner. The last thing you need is a broken air conditioner on a hot day. Regular maintenance of your unit can help ensure it will work all summer long. The easiest, and perhaps most important, maintenance task you can perform yourself is to clean or change the filter routinely. For more complicated tasks, you may wish to hire a professional technician. Likewise, you’ll want to be sure your car’s air conditioner is in good working order, particularly before a major road trip or heat wave.

• Stay informed with accurate weather information. Accurate weather information is one of the best ways to make informed decisions and be prepared for daily outdoor activities, family vacations and travel plans. Consider a source recognized for its superior accuracy – the AccuWeather app can be a good go-to resource not only this summer, but year-round, to help keep you safe. It features AccuWeather MinuteCast, an exclusive minute-by-minute precipitation forecast for the next two hours specific to your exact GPS location. Plus, the app’s AccuWeather RealFeel feature lets you know how it actually feels outside so you can properly plan for outdoor summer activities and the day ahead – from what to pack to what to wear. If you’re constantly on the go, don’t worry, because the app delivers severe weather push alert notifications that can help keep you safe and better prepared for anything that comes your way. The award-winning AccuWeather app is available on all of Android mobile devices, as well as on iOS, for free.

• Know what to wear. During the summer, lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing can make all the difference to your comfort. The less fabric you have actually touching your body, the cooler you will be.

• Schedule outdoor activities carefully. During periods of intense heat, stay indoors and, if at all possible, remain in an air-conditioned location. If your home does not have air conditioning, consider going to a shopping mall or public library for a few hours – spending time in air conditioning will help your body stay cooler once you go back out into the elements. Limit your outdoor activities to morning and evening hours when it’s cooler.

• Stay hydrated. Summer fun often means being outdoors, but listen to your body and take breaks to rest, rehydrate and cool off. Bring water or a sports drink with you when you are exercising, at the pool or even just making your way around town. Make sure to avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they can quickly dehydrate you.

With up-to-the-minute knowledge at your fingertips and the right preparation, you will be ready to cope with heat and all weather conditions the summer season brings.