Weather Withering Heat Without Wasting Water

RALEIGH — Summer has brought along hightemperaturesand ozone alerts across the state, but you can still beat the heat.

Water RestrictionsCary, Morrisville, RTP/Wake County, RDU (mandatory)

All watering must be on odd or even days only, based on whether your street address is odd or even.

No sprinkler or irrigation systems can be used; watering must be done with a garden hose, watering can, pail or similar device.

Car washing is allowed.

Filling your pool is allowed. Holly Springs (mandatory)

No watering is permitted between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

All watering must be on odd or even days only, based on whether your street address is odd or even.

No sprinkler or irrigation systems can be used; watering must be done with a garden hose, watering can, pail or similar device.

No car washing is allowed (except by professionals).

No power washing is allowed (except by professionals). Orange County (voluntary)

Limit lawn watering.

Take short showers.

Run only full dishwashers and washing machines. Fayetteville

No voluntary or mandatory water restrictions.

Homes and businesses across the state that rely on wells, including golf courses, can water all they want. ------------------->Beat The Heat:If you have to be outside, here are a few tips fromWRAL Health Team's Dr. Allen Maskto help you beat the heat.

Drink lots of fluids, including water, fruit juice and sports beverages, which replace the salt and minerals lost through heavy sweating. Start loading up on fluids two hours before you plan to be outside.

Avoid alcohol; it dehydrates you.

Avoid heavy meals.

Do not exercise outside between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Wear a hat, and lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.If you feel any kind of cramping, stop and go inside. Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion:

Headache

Dizziness

Weakness

Nausea

Cramping

Vomiting

FaintingIf you experience any of these symptoms, go inside immediately. Heat stroke can be fatal. The symptoms of heat stroke are:

High fever (over 105 degrees)

Disorientation

DeliriumAnyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Operation Fan ReliefStaying inside is not always a relief, particularly for families living in apartments and homes without air conditioners. The Helping Hand Mission of Raleigh wants to help.

If you have a new or used fan or air conditioner you'd like to donate, drop it off at 623 Rock Quarry Road or 501 New Bern Avenue in Raleigh. If you need a fan or air conditioner, you can pick one up at the same locations. For more information, call (919) 829-8048. Ozone AlertProtect the environment from further damage by following these recommendations from the stateDivision of Air Quality:

Limit daytime driving.

Limit vehicle idling.

Refuel vehicles after dusk.

Don't "top off" gas tank.

Use newest or best maintained car.

Barbeque without starter fluid.Photographers:Ron PittmanandChad Flowers