As summer takes one of its final gasps of the year, with temperatures in the upper-80s today through Tuesday, there are several heat-related safety reminders to be aware of.

Greene County Public Health Director Becky Wolf reminds everyone to utilize sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30. She says to apply sunscreen to cool, dry skin and reapply it every two hours when outdoors. Wolf describes a unique way to remember how to maximize protection from the sun’s rays.

“Well through the Iowa Cancer Consortium, they have this really clever logo, and it says, ‘Slip, Slop, Slap.’ So it means slipping on a shirt, slopping on sunscreen and slapping on a hat. And then in addition, slide on some sunglasses and seek the shade.”

There are also heat reminders for animals and pets. Jill Mills with the People for Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) of Greene County says if the inside temperature of a non-running vehicle is 79-degrees, it can get up to 89-degrees within ten minutes, and 89-114-degrees within 30 minutes.

“If it makes us feel uncomfortable in hot, humid temperatures, then it’s going to make them feel absolutely horrible because they have a fur coat on.”

Mills also recommends making sure there is fresh water and shady areas for outdoor pets to cool off.