DELANO, Calif. -- It may be the hottest day of the summer with the worst air quality so far. Unfortunately, it's going to stay in Kern County for a while.

ABC23 headed out to one of the hottest locations in Kern County, the city of Delano, to see how some are dealing with this extreme heat and bad air quality.

What it comes down to is precaution and preparation.

It’s the dog days of summer and while many people take refuge indoors others, like letter carrier James Fleming has to work and battle the heat outside. "Yeah the heat does sneak up on you ... If you’re not drinking a lot of water," Fleming said.

Usually Fleming said his main dangers are dog attacks and cars hitting him. But come summer he said it’s the heat and being dehydrated.

San Joaquin Community Hospital Emergency Room Director Raymond Zurcher said the elderly and children are most susceptible to heat exhaustion. "But even young people at these temperatures can run into trouble especially if they are active at all," he said.

Kern County Battalion Chief Allen Montes said that heat will sneak up on even those most experienced with it. "You can't really be too macho about it. If you're starting to feel the effects of heat, tell somebody."

Also, Chief Montes suggests drinking plenty of water, wearing light clothing, sunscreen, and taking regular breaks if you have to work outdoors.

Fleming's supervisor Paul Perroni ensures all his letter carriers not only do their job but also make it home at the end of the day. "Usually when it gets over a hundred degrees, we make trips out onto the streets to take water to carriers just in case they run out. We want to make sure they stay hydrated and safe," he said.

Anyone experiencing signs of heat exhaustion such as disorientation, dizziness, dry mouth, and no sweat, doctors suggest getting in the shade, drinking water, and immediately seeking medical aid.