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TUCSON - With record breaking heat to start the month of June Tucson Fire Department wants you to be prepared to beat the heat this summer.

Over the next few months Tucson Fire Department sees a spike in heat related calls. Heat is the number one weather related killer in Arizona and TFD stresses the importance of knowing the signs you're being affected by the heat.

Captain Lewis Harris with TFD tells us, "When you start seeing the nausea, the vomiting, the cramps those are all those initial signs when you're starting to get into that dehydrated realm."

To avoid succumbing to heat exhaustion or even heat stroke there are certain safety tips to abide by. Of course the number one thing is to drink plenty of fluids before, during and after any outdoor activities. Wear light and loose clothing and limit outdoor activity to the early morning or late evening. When possible stay in a cool well ventilated place and frequently check up on the young and elderly.

Heat related illnesses are considered emergencies and if you fall ill from the heat don't hesitate to call 911. Captain Harris says, "When your respiratory rate comes up and when your pulse starts getting too high that's when you want to start getting the 911 system activated so we can intervene."

Something else Captain Harris reminds us of as the summer heat cranks up is to never leave children in the car no matter how short the time period. According to him those are the calls firefighters never want to have to answer.