The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for Kern County with temperatures ranging from 100 to 110 degrees beginning Saturday and lasting through Tuesday.

Kern County Public Health is asking the public to stay safe during the excessive heat:

• Drink plenty of water even if you are not thirsty. Avoid alcohol.
• Avoid outdoor physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day. Reduce exposure to the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. when UV rays are strongest, and keep physical activities to a minimum during that time.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the face and neck and loose-fitting clothing to keep cool and to protect your skin from the sun. 
• Regularly check on any elderly relatives or friends who live alone. Many may be on medications which increase likelihood of dehydration.
• To prevent overheating, use cool compresses, misting, showers and baths. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a rapid, strong pulse, you feel delirious or have a body temperature above 102 degrees. 
• Never leave infants, children, elderly or pets in a parked car. It can take as little as 10 minutes for the temperature inside a car to rise to levels that can kill. 
• Wear sunglasses that provide 100 percent UVA and UVB protection. Chronic exposure to the sun can cause cataracts.
• Liberally apply sunscreen (at least SPF 15) 15 minutes before venturing outdoors and re-apply at least every two hours - sunscreen may reduce the risk of skin cancer.