The excessive heat can be especially hard on senior citizens, and they need to take precautions. That's according to the Frederick County Department of Aging, which has issued some recommendations for older residents to keep cool during these high temperatures. "Older adults generally don't tolerate temperature changes quite as well as some younger folks. Often things like medications will have an affect on that, as well as less activity," says Kitty Devilbiss, the Department's Community Services Manager.

The agency says seniors should limit their physical activities, especially during the hottest part of the day. "That means not going out at midday to sweep the walk," she says. "Staying in between 11 and 5 because that's when it's the hottest."

In addition, seniors are urged to drink plenty of fluids, but not alcohol or caffeine because they can increase dehydration. And stay in air conditioned location. If your home is not air conditioned, Devibiss says all four senior centers in Frederick County are open during the day. "Any time the senior center is open, seniors are welcome to go to the center, and hang out. We can provide something to drink and friends to pass the time with," Devilbiss says.

The Senior Centers are located in Frederick at 1440 Taney Avenue (301-600-3525); in Brunswick at 12 A Street (301-834-8115); in Emmitsburg at 300 South Seton Avenue (301-600-6350); and Urbana at 9020 Amelung Street (301-600-7020). Devilbiss says call each center to find out about their hours of operation.

The National Weather Service has issued a Heat Advisory for Thursday from 12:00 Noon until 10:00 PM, with temperatures expected to reach into the mid to upper 90's, with a heat index between 100 to 105 degrees.

Devilbiss urges younger family member to check on their older relatives on days with excessive heat to make sure they are doing well. "We're {also} asking neighbors to check on older adults or others that people in the neighborhood who are homebound just to make sure they are safe during this time," she says.

The heat can make a lot of people sick, especially seniors. The Department of Aging says if you observe any of these symptoms in yourself or someone else, get medical attention immediately.  They  can be signs of a heat-related illness. The symptoms are weakness; headache; an altered mental status or confusion, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, muscle cramps or skin that's cool and clammy, even though temperatures are high.