With record heat and near 100 degree temperatures slated for the rest of the week, first responders in Putnam County are urging citizens to exercise caution. 

The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory for Putnam County until midnight Saturday, and that has Greencastle assistant fire chief Rob Frank issuing a warning to residents. 

"Try to stay out of the heat if you can. If you have to be outside, make sure you are drinking plenty of water to stay hydrated. Also, wear breathable/lightweight clothing and if working in the heat, make sure to take frequent breaks and try to find some shade," Frank told The Putnam County Post. 

Clinton Township Volunteer Fire Department Chief Tony Camp echoed those sentiments. 

"If you are going to be working in this heat, make sure you stay hydrated and take plenty of breaks in the shade. If at all possible, dip a towel into a cooler that has ice water and ring it out or put it across the back of your neck to help you cool down," Camp said. 

In addition, Camp said he knows families may turn to swimming pools or the lake to try and beat the heat and he urges adults to use caution with children around water. 

"My advice is to always make sure you have somebody with you that can call 911 if something happens. If you are swimming in the lake, I would personally say have a life jacket on. Also, just because you are swimming doesn't mean you necessarily are hydrated, so I would say make sure you are hydrated to prevent cramps," Camp added. 

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