"Hot enough for ya?"

The rhetorical question that elicits a litany of sarcastic thoughts for those who don't take too well to the heat is likely to be heard a lot over the next few days.

According to the National Weather Service, temperatures reached a high of 92 degrees Friday, and Saturday temperatures are supposed to rise slightly to a high of 93 degrees, followed by a series of days with temperatures in the eighties.

While it's important for everyone to stay hydrated and cool in this weather, the heat is especially dangerous for certain segments of the population, including seniors.

The Council on Aging is in the air conditioned Multi-Service Center on Marion Road where seniors -- 60-years-old and up -- may seek relief from the heat on weekdays. According to Council on Aging Office Manager Pam Dudley, even when the mercury rises, most seniors prefer to stay put.

"They like to stay home where it's cooler," she explained. However, as the heat stays steadily stifling for days at a time, that could change.

"We'll have a better feel for what we're going to be doing" after a couple more days of soaring temperatures, Dudley said.

While the center in technically for seniors, Dudley said that in this kind of weather, all are welcome.

"I wouldn't throw anyone out," said Dudley. "It's too hot for that."

Dudley said that limiting activity and staying hydrated are two of the keys to avoiding health issues from the heat.

"I just had someone in here saying she mowed the lawn in this heat," said Dudley.

No matter how rough you may think your lawn is looking, wait for a cooler day to tackle it!

"[The Council on Aging] is considered a cooling center and if any of the seniors are having problems" they may seek refuge there, said Wareham Health Agent Bob Ethier.

People may contact EMS for transport to the cooling center or, in a non-emergency situation, call the Dial-a-Ride service a day in advance for a ride at 508-759-8900.

"EMS is the number to call if you have any issues due to the heat," said Ethier.

Wareham EMS may be reached at 508-295-6725.

In addition to air-conditioning, there's a big-screen TV, cards, and games to entertain the overheated patrons.

Ethier said that for the most part he believes people will rely on their common sense when it comes to staying safe.

"We don't tell people they have to go there because it's a hot day," said Ethier.

Down at Spillane Field on Friday, the Gatemen were getting in a light practice before heading out on the road to face off against Chatham.

According to head coach Cooper Farris, the boys are dealing with the heat very well for a simple reason: Most of them come from the American south where 80 degrees is almost sweater weather.

"A lot of these guys come from down south so they're used to it," Farris said. "Down there it's stifling."

Farris said that the guys are expected to drink a gallon of water a day, regardless of the temperature.

"We tell them to get a gallon jug of water, or something's going to happen," said Farris.

Chris Chinea, who attends Louisiana State University and originally hails from Miami, Florida, took what us northerners call a "heat wave" very much in stride.

"I was looking forward to this weather," said Chinea. "It's kind of like Miami because we have the breeze too."

Over at Kool Kone, customers lined up for some cold creamy treats, while behind the tiny windows where the orders are taken, the kitchen staff worked over a hot grill in a sweltering kitchen with a fan running to try to give them some relief.

Melanie Zacamy, who was working the grill Friday, said she does her best to beat the heat, but it can get a little overwhelming.

"It seems like the day goes on forever when it's hot," said Zacamy.

Beat the heat, don't let it beat you!

The state Department of Health and Human Services issued an advisory with some tips for staying safe, especially for people with certain medical conditions. Stay safe during the heat wave with these simple tips:

-If you don't have air-conditioning in your home seek a place that does have air-conditioning such as a cooling center, mall or movie theater.

-Drink plenty of fluids, even if your level of activity hasn't increased.

-Don't exercise heavily in the heat.

-Stay away from fluids that contain large amounts of sugar and/or alcohol. It may be tempting to imbibe on the day of the fireworks but for the sake of your health, keep it in check!

-Do not leave humans or animals in parked cars.

-Replace salts and minerals lost through sweating by drinking sports drinks.

What are some of the signs of heat stroke?

Heat stroke occurs when the body is no longer able to regulate its temperature, and body temperature rises rapidly as a result. In extreme cases, a person's body temperature can rise to 106 degrees with 10-15 minutes. Here's some signs to watch out for:

-Soaring body temperature (103 degrees taken orally).

-Skin that is red, hot and dry, but not sweating.

-Strong, rapid pulse.

-Throbbing headache.

-Dizziness.

-Nausea

-Confusion

-Unconsciousness

If you are with somebody who starts to exhibit signs of heat stroke, get them out of the sun first. Try to cool them down by putting them in a bath tub full of cool water or by applying cold compresses. Spray them down with a hose and fan them -- just do what it takes to cool them down!

Heat exhaustion isn't as severe as heat stroke, but shouldn't be ignored, and may be treated the same as heat stroke.