Limiting outdoor exposure during peak temperatures, curbing strenuous activity, drinking fluids and staying in a well-ventilated area are all things that will help beat the heat during the current scorcher, says Dr. Bruce Auerbach, head of emergency services at Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro.

Auerbach said the hospital, which drills and draws up plans to respond to a variety of disasters and health problems, is well-prepared for an influx of heat-related illnesses.

But Sturdy and public health officials would rather head off those problems by enlisting the public's help. Among their suggestions:

E Drink plenty of fluids, especially if you're involved in strenuous outdoor activity.

`` Probably the No. 1 most important issue is hydration, especially with sports and other mineral-laden drinks that can replace minerals lost by the body,'' Auerbach said. Most people tend to underestimate the amount of fluids they lose in the form of perspiration during hot weather, he said, adding that such losses can total up to a half-gallon per hour.

E Limit heavy activity during the hottest times, stay in the shade and make sure your home or work-place is well-ventilated, even if you have only a fan and no air conditioning.

In stagnant rooms, an envelope of hot air tends to surround the body, Auerbach said, causing a person to become hotter than they would, otherwise. Proper ventilation helps the body break up this thermal blanket and expel excess heat.

E Protect others as well as yourself. People suffering the early phases of heat stress often can't tell there is anything wrong with them, Auerbach said. If you notice a colleague or a neighbor who has been exposed to the heat beginning to act erratically, remove them to a cool, shady place. If they fail to respond or begin vomiting, call 911.

E Senior citizens often feel the effects of heat stress more acutely than others because of physical frailty or medicine that causes them to become dehydrated. If you have an elder neighbor or loved one, check on them to make sure they are adequately cooled and have sufficient food and fluids on hand. Small children are also more vulnerable to extremes of weather and should be watched carefully.

To minimize the threat of power brownouts or other disruptions to the region's electric grid, ISO New England recommends these steps:

E Shut off air conditioners in rooms that are not in use or turn up the thermostat to 74 to 78 degrees. Raising the temperature just 3 or 4 degrees can cut electrical consumption by about 10 percent.

E Use large electrical appliances early in the morning or late in the evening.

E Cook with a microwave oven or outdoor grill instead of an electric range.

E Turn off lights, computers and entertainment appliances when not in use.