Richland County Sheriff warns of heatstroke, exhaustion

Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott is warning the public to take safety precautions as temperatures continue to climb in the Midlands into triple digits.

Heat can kill, and there is a number of steps area residents can take to protect themselves from heat-related deaths, said Lott in a written release. Those include never leaving children unattended in a vehicle, planning indoor activities during the hottest parts of the day and staying hydrated.

Lott also encouraged reaching out to neighbors, especially those who are elderly, who are more likely to find themselves suffering from heatstroke or heat exhaustion. And to keep animals in a shaded area with plenty of water, if they must be kept outdoors. He stressed heat-related deaths are preventable, and to call 911 if needed.

This story was originally published June 21, 2016 at 3:30 PM.