The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for Carbon and Monroe counties from noon Wednesday through 8 p.m. Friday.

Cristina Maisel, Communications Manager, American Red Cross of Greater PA, offered these tips:

• Stay hydrated: Drinking a cup of water every 20 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty; avoid sugary, caffeinated, or alcoholic drinks as they can cause dehydration.

• Stay cool: Spend time in air-conditioned places, or if your home doesn’t have air conditioning or your power goes, think about where you could go, places like a mall, public library, or a cooling center in your community.

• Stay connected: Check in on our others, and ask for help if you need it. Something as simple as sending a text or knocking on a door to make sure people are OK could help save a life. Also, you want to think about your pets as well, making sure they have access to shade or water so that they’re staying cool in the heat.

“Knowing what to do to protect yourself and loved ones from extreme heat can save lives,” said Jorge Martinez, CEO of the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania. “We’re asking everyone to check on friends and neighbors, especially older adults, people with chronic conditions, outdoor workers and athletes. You could make all the difference by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door.”

Managing costs

Jane George, Regional Affairs Director, PPL, said that as temperatures rise, staying cool isn’t just about comfort — it’s about safety.

As temperatures rise, staying cool is not just about comfort — it’s about safety.

“Air conditioning remains one of the most effective ways to prevent heat-related illness, and for those who may not have it at home, we encourage spending time in cooler public spaces like libraries, shopping centers or community cooling centers,” George said. “We also recognize that extreme heat can drive up energy use and put added pressure on household budgets, as cooling systems run longer and more frequently.”

George added “That’s why we encourage customers to take advantage of tools and programs designed to help them stay comfortable while managing costs.”

She said there are several simple steps customers can take right away to stay cool and reduce energy use:

• Close blinds and curtains during the day to block the sun.

• Avoid using ovens, dryers and dishwashers during the hottest parts of the day.

• Use fans in occupied rooms to cool more efficiently.

• Adjust thermostats where possible, as even small changes can reduce energy use.

In addition, George said PPL offers a range of programs and tools to help customers better manage their bills and take control of their energy use: budget billing, bill alerts & notifications, mobile app and online tools and energy analyzer and virtual assessments.