With forecasted record high temperatures, Wake County’s White Flag Network offers access to air-conditioned facilities for homeless people when the heat index is above 101 degrees Fahrenheit. Participating facilities will display a white flag to indicate their doors are open. The following facilities will participate in the program through September 15, 2011.

Men only

South Wilmington Street Center

1420 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh

9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday-Friday

857-9428

Women and children

Women's Center of Wake County Inc.

128 E. Hargett St., Suite 10, Raleigh

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday

829-3711

The White Flag Network is a group of Raleigh agencies that have collaborated to allow homeless people entrance into their buildings throughout the day. This year marks the network’s ninth summer in operation.

With expected high temperatures in the mid- to upper-90s this week, Wake County’s Emergency Medical Services encourages all citizens to take precautions and diligently protect themselves from the heat. High temperatures can lead to heat cramps, heat exhaustion or heat stroke. People can protect themselves by taking these simple precautions:

Drink plenty of fluids

Stay inside

Limit activities to early morning or evening to avoid the hottest part of the day

Heat emergencies can affect anyone, including those in good physical shape and those who are accustomed to the heat.

Wake EMS receives up to 20 heat-related calls per day when temperatures rise above the upper 90s. While calls are easily absorbed by the system, the Wake County EMS System does provide staffing for EMS Truck No. 1, which is a specialty unit capable of providing rehabilitation for emergency responders working in extreme conditions. It is also capable of treating large numbers of patients of any type, should the need arise.

People who work or play outside should be aware of the symptoms of heat emergencies.

Heat cramps: Heat cramps are muscle spasms that usually affect the arms, legs or stomach. Heat cramps are caused when a person cannot replenish salt and potassium lost through heavy sweating. Drink electrolyte solutions such as Gatorade, and eat more potassium-rich fruits such as bananas, to prevent heat cramps.

Heat exhaustion: Heat exhaustion occurs when fluids in the body are not adequately replaced. Symptoms include headache, heavy sweating, intense thirst, dizziness, fatigue, loss of coordination, nausea, impaired judgment, loss of appetite, hyperventilation, tingling of the hands or feet, anxiety, cool moist skin, weak and rapid pulse (120–200), and low to normal blood pressure.

Heat stroke: Heat stroke is a life-threatening illness. It occurs when the body has depleted its supply of water and salt. Heat stroke is sometimes mistaken for heart attack. It is therefore important to recognize the symptoms of heat stroke and to check for them anytime someone collapses in a hot environment.

The early symptoms of heat stroke include body temperature over 103 degrees Fahrenheit, hot red or flushed dry skin, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, constricted pupils, any/all the signs or symptoms of heat exhaustion, bizarre behavior and high blood pressure. Advanced symptoms include seizure, convulsions, collapse, loss of consciousness and a body temperature over 108 degrees Fahrenheit.

Call 911 immediately if you or someone you know is in need of assistance.