TEMPLE (August 06, 2010)-An elderly couple found dead Friday afternoon in their home likely succumbed to the heat, Temple authorities say.

Police officers and firefighters responded around 3 p.m. Friday to a residence near the intersection of South 15th Street and West Avenue O after a relative discovered the 85 year-old man and his 84 year-old wife.

Bell County Justice of the Peace G. W. Ivy ruled their deaths as natural causes.

Temple Fire and Rescue spokesman Thomas Pechal said the home had window air conditioner units but they were not however in use Friday afternoon.

The elderly, the very young, people with chronic diseases and those without access to air conditioning are those most likely to suffer in extremely hot weather.

Prevention is the best defense against heat-related illness. Staying cool, drinking plenty of fluids, wearing cool clothing and monitoring outdoor activities are essential to staying healthy in hot weather.

Staying in an air-conditioned area, either at home or in a public place such as a mall, library or recreation center is the most effective way to combat heat.

If air conditioning is not available, open the windows, pull the shades down to keep out the sun and use cross-ventilation and fans to cool rooms.

Symptoms of heat illness include heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, nausea, weak but rapid pulse and headaches. People with these symptoms should find shade, drink water slowly and make sure there is good ventilation.

If fluids are not replaced soon enough, heat stroke can follow causing extremely high body temperature, red and dry skin, rapid pulse, confusion, brain damage, loss of consciousness and death.

To help a person showing severe symptoms, get the victim into shade, call 9-1-1 and start cooling the person immediately with cool water or by fanning.

Children especially can quickly become dehydrated. They should drink fluids frequently, especially water, and wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Avoid drinks that are heavily sweetened or contain caffeine. Check on children often, especially if they are playing outside in high temperatures.

• Check frequently on the elderly, the ill and others who may need help.
  
• Never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle in hot weather, even for a short time. Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140-190 degrees Fahrenheit within 30 minutes on a hot, sunny day.
  
• Drink plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks with alcohol, caffeine or a lot of sugar.
  
• Don't wait until you are thirsty. Start drinking fluids at least 30 minutes before going out.
  
• During the summer, try to schedule strenuous outdoor activities such as running, biking and lawn care during early morning and late evening hours.
  
• Take frequent breaks when working outside.
  
• Wear sunscreen SPF 15 or higher, wide-brimmed hats and light-colored, loose-fitting clothes.
  
• Check with a doctor about the effects of sun and heat when taking prescription drugs, especially diuretics or antihistamines.