By Cynthia Grau/WJEZ News

With much of the Midwest under an excessive heat watch through Saturday evening, the Federal Emergency Management Agency is giving tips on staying not only cool, but also healthy.

The National Weather Service announced that dangerously hot and humid conditions are expected, and according to the Centers for Disease Control, heat kills more people than hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, earthquakes and floods.

Some steps to take to avoid heat-related illnesses include postponing any outdoor games or activities and limit sum exposure; drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine and limit alcohol intake; spend the warmest part of the day in temperature controlled buildings, such as libraries, movie theatres, shopping malls or community facilities; and to make sure to check on family, friends and neighbors who don’t have air conditioning and who spend much of their time alone.

FEMA urges residents to download and use its free app, which provides safety tips for more than 20 natural or man-made disasters and also weather alerts from the National Weather Service.