KANAWHA COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – The first heatwave of the year is arriving just in time for the start of summer, and the WOWK viewing area is under an extreme heat watch starting Sunday. Here are some tips you can use to keep cool and recognize symptoms of heat exhaustion.

Temperatures are expected to soar into the 90s, and the heat index could reach well over 100 degrees. This is why emergency officials say that preparation is key.

“Stay hydrated. You’re going to lose a lot, so keep water in ya. If you have to be outside, try to not be outside during the hottest parts of the day. Take breaks, get inside where there’s air conditioning and just be mindful of what’s going on with your body,” says Lt. Rex Eggleton, St. Albans Fire Department.

Eggleton says heat waves bring in more emergency calls, and the best way to avoid heat exhaustion is to hydrate properly. However, there are ways to recognize your symptoms.

Common symptoms of heat-related illnesses are cold, sweaty skin, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting. However, experts say it’s best to do all you can to prevent it from reaching this point, especially for children or the elderly.

“The main thing with heat is most people wait until it’s too late to get out of it. Then when you stop sweating, it’s too late now. And a lot of people don’t figure it out until it is too late. So I’d say that’s the big thing,” says Eggleton.

Other common ways people can cool down include wearing breathable clothing, taking breaks in air-conditioned spaces, and avoiding alcohol.