San Antonio hit a milestone Wednesday when temperatures hit 100 degrees for first time this year. Scorching temperatures are expected to continue through Thursday, meaning residents should take precautions to protect themselves and their families from the heat.

A heat advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. Thursday for much of South-Central Texas, including San Antonio, New Braunfels, San Marcos and the Hill Country. High temperatures are expected to approach 100 degrees before easing into the 90s as Tropical Storm Bertha approaches.

Extreme heat can affect anyone, but children, older adults, people with chronic health conditions and pets face the greatest risk.

Here’s what you need to know to stay safe during the heat in San Antonio.

Staying safe outdoors

City officials advise residents to stay inside during the hottest times of the day, usually from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Anyone who must spend time outdoors should carry water and stay hydrated, even if they don’t feel thirsty. Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, apply sunscreen and take frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned space.

Call 911 immediately if someone shows signs of heat stroke. Symptoms include a high body temperature, confusion, hot or dry skin with little or no sweating, a rapid pulse and loss of consciousness.

Cooling centers

Libraries, senior centers, community centers, shopping malls, pools, and splash pads are all places where residents can get a break from the heat. To find a full list of official cooling centers, visit the city website linked here.

Street outreach teams provide water and resources for those experiencing homelessness. Anyone who needs assistance can call the Community Connections Hotline at 210-207-1799.

Child safety

Do not leave children unattended inside a car. The temperature inside a parked vehicle can rise by 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, even if a window is cracked, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Anyone who finds a child locked inside a vehicle should call 911 immediately. If it is safe to do so, move the child to a cooler location and begin lowering their body temperature with cool, wet cloths or a cool bath while waiting for emergency responders.

Warning signs of heat-related illness in children include pale or flushed skin, excessive sweating, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea and weakness.

Pet safety

After the remains of three animals, believed to be dogs, were found Monday decomposing in a car parked downtown, Animal Care Services urged pet owners to take precautions against the heat.

Texas law requires pet owners to provide animals with fresh water and adequate shelter, according to Animal Care Services. On extremely hot days, pets should be brought indoors. If needed, a crate in a bathroom or laundry room can provide a safe, cool space.

Anyone who sees an animal trapped inside a locked vehicle should call 911 immediately. Under San Antonio city ordinance, police officers and Animal Care Services officers may break a vehicle’s window to rescue an animal in an emergency.

Warning signs of heat-related illness in pets include excessive thirst, heavy panting, glazed eyes, vomiting, restlessness, lethargy, fever, dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, excessive drooling and loss of consciousness.

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This article originally published at San Antonio temps hit 100 this week. Here’s how to stay safe in the heat..