BY SANDRA GUY

As new studies show climate change increases the odds of major hurricanes and, eventually, will cause un-livable temperatures worldwide, it’s more important than ever to recognize the importance of weather awareness.

Do you read or listen to the weather forecast each morning?

Why not start on Heat Safety Awareness Day — May 29 — to keep up with the latest and predicted temperatures, heat index forecasts and warnings about staying cool and hydrated?

On days of extreme heat, remember:

• Stay cool. Avoid direct sunlight and, if possible, stay in an air-conditioned room.
• If you must go outdoors, watch for signs of heat-related illness, including dizziness, nausea and muscle cramps.
• Drink plenty of water, even if you’re not thirsty.
• Wear sunscreen and protect your eyes and your skin from the sun, and wear loose clothes that breathe rather than trap heat.
• If you continue to feel ill, seek medical attention.

Remember the most vulnerable, including pets and children (never leave them in a car), the elderly, and people with heart disease or high blood pressure.

Experts say the temperature inside a car — on cloudy and sunny days — can rise far higher than the temperature outside. A child’s body heats up three to five times faster than an adult’s, meaning that a child can die of heat stroke on a 72-degree day.

Set up a habit so that you always check the car’s back seat before you leave the car parked, especially when you go shopping or to run errands.

And while staying home, beware getting overheated while cooking up your latest concoction to show on Instagram or powering up the drill to finish that DIY bathroom renovation.