With high heat and humidity blanketing the region, Alabamians should be taking special care to stay safe during the extreme conditions.

A heat advisory was expected to remain in place across much of the state through July 30, with projected heat indexes on Thursday afternoon near 105 degrees, according to the National Weather Service office in Birmingham. Heat indexes in south Alabama could reach as high as 113 on Thursday afternoon, according to the weather service.

More than 700 people die every year in the United States because of extreme heat, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

With hot temperatures and humid conditions firmly in place, the CDC advises people to make sure they stay hydrated, especially if they are outdoors. Children younger than 2, older people and those grappling with chronic conditions such as obesity, heart disease, poor circulation and mental illness can be particularly vulnerable to illness from extreme heat.

Here are recommendations from the CDC to help keep you healthy during very hot weather:

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible. Air conditioning is the No. 1 way to protect yourself against heat-related illness and death. If your home is not air-conditioned, reduce your risk for heat-related illness by spending time in public places that are air-conditioned or by using air conditioning in vehicles. Contact your local health department to locate an air-conditioned shelter in your area.
• Do not rely on a fan as your main cooling device during an extreme heat event.
• Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Take cool baths or showers.
• Check on a friend or neighbor and have someone do the same for you. Do not leave children or pets unattended in cars.
• Don’t use a stove or oven to cook, which will heat up your home.
• Limit your outdoor activity, especially at midday when the sun is hottest.
• Try to limit outdoor activity to the time of the day when it’s coolest. If you have to be outside in the sun, wear a hat and apply sunscreen as indicated on the package.

If you play a sport that practices during hot weather, protect yourself and look out for your teammates:

• Pace your activity. Start activities slow and pick up the pace gradually.
• Drink more water than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink more. Muscle cramping may be an early sign of heat-related illness.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing. Seek medical care right away if you or a teammate has symptoms of heat-related illness.

CDC officials advise people to check local news for health and safety updates while the extreme conditions persist. For more information from the CDC, including information in Spanish, visit www.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat.