People have more than just their lawns turning brown and public pools overcrowding to worry about when temperatures rise.

The average high temperature in Casper runs about 88 degrees in July, but several days during the summer, temperatures rise above 95 degrees.

High temperatures can cause heat exhaustion, heat stroke and even death, said Trevor Evans, captain of Mills Volunteer Fire Department.

People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are unable to cool themselves, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The body usually cools down through sweating, but sometimes that isn't enough.

Mills Volunteer Fire Department and other emergency crews treated about 30 to 40 heat-related health problems during the Wings Over Wyoming air show that took place in the middle of July 2006, Evans said.

People stood on black asphalt for hours, Evans said. "On the tarmac, it was 110 degrees."

Not every one of the treated people had a heat stroke, but Evans said heat exhaustion - symptoms include heavy sweating, fatigue and nausea - can progress into a heat stroke and people collapse.

If a person doesn't cool down, a heat stroke can be fatal.

From 1979 to 2003, excessive heat caused 8,015 deaths in the United States, according to the CDC. That's more than the number who died from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods and earthquakes combined.

In 2001, 300 deaths were caused by extreme heat.

Evans said serious heat-related illnesses aren't that common among the general public in Casper, especially since the temperatures are usually more mild.

However, certain populations are more prone to heat exhaustion, such as senior citizens, children, those who work or exercise outside, and people with high blood pressure.

The CDC also said obesity, heart disease, mental illness, sunburns and prescription drug and alcohol use can affect a person's ability to cool down.

Firefighters, like himself, have to pay close attention to heat-related illnesses, especially when they are fighting wild fires.

"If fighting a fire, we take periodic breaks," Evans said. "Most construction workers and other people who work outside do a good job of pushing hydration."

If someone has been working outside in the heat and is not feeling right, Evans recommends calling 911. Besides being a serious heat stroke, it could be a heart attack or another life-threatening emergency.

Contact health reporter Allison Rupp at (307) 266-0534 or allison.rupp@trib.com.

Beat the heat

How to prevent heat exhaustion and stroke:

1. Rehydrate your body: If you are sweating, you should be drinking a lot fluids, which equals about several liters an hour, said Trevor Evans, captain of Mills Volunteer Fire Department. Water is best, but drinking a Gatorade or other sports drink every so often can replace electrolytes. Don't drink soda or other drinks with a lot of sugar. Also, a person should make sure to urinate every two to three hours to judge whether he is drinking enough fluids.

2. Take a rest: If you are resting your body, it is not working hard and can begin to cool itself. It's important to pace yourself, if you do have to work outside starting slowly and gradually picking up the pace. Don't rest in the sun. Get to the shade.

3. Wear appropriate clothing and sunscreen: Wear as little clothing as possible when at home and dress in light-colored, loose-fitting apparel. Sunscreen will protect you from getting a sunburn, which can affect your ability to cool yourself. Wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat when you go outside.

4. Stay indoors: If possible, stay in doors in an air-conditioned place. This is especially important during mid-day hours when the sun is overhead. When the temperatures are extremely hot, an electric fan may not be enough. So the CDC recommends you go to a mall or library, at least for a couple hours, to sit in an air conditioned environment.

5. Avoid hot foods or heavy meals: These can add to your body heat.

6. Don't leave children in cars: Even with the windows cracked, temperatures inside a car can rise almost 20 degrees within the first 10 minutes of being parked. Children or others left inside the car are at serious risk for heat-related illnesses or death.

Information also provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The signs

Warning signs of heat stroke:

- Heavy sweating

- Nausea and vomiting

- Dizziness

- Fatigue

- Throbbing headache

- Confusion

- Fainting and unconsciousness

If someone exhibits these symptoms, get them to shade, cool them with water through a shower, hose or sponge and call 911. This may be a life-threatening emergency.