WHEELING — There’s no getting around it — it’s hot in the Ohio Valley.

While temperatures soar in the region, officials are asking residents to do whatever they can to avoid the heat, not just for their comfort, but for their safety.

Temperatures reached the 90s Tuesday in the Ohio Valley and, if the National Weather Service’s forecast holds true, the next three days will be just as sweltering. The NWS is calling for a high of 95 today, 91 on Thursday and 93 on Friday. Prolonged exposure to such conditions can be dangerous, said Lou Vargo, Ohio County Emergency Management Director.

“It’s not the time to be out in the middle of the day cutting grass and things like that,” he said. “You can do that either early in the morning or late at night.”

Vargo understands that some people must be out in those conditions for their jobs. For those folks, he said to take a lot of breaks and stay hydrated. If they feel dizzy or lightheaded, they should head for the shade and rest.

“If that persists, call 911 and we’ll have them checked out,” he said.

For everyone else, Vargo said they should find air conditioning and hang out there.

There haven’t been any cooling stations opened yet, he added. Those who call will get directed to places like the Salvation Army or they could head to The Highlands and get indoors.

If there became a crisis situation, Vargo said, the county would open up cooling stations.

Officials in Marshall and Belmont counties have published lists of sites where people needing to get out of the heat. In Marshall County, those needing help can call the county’s communication center at 304-845-1920.

Calling ahead is a must, as those sites are standby and as needed only.

The sites include Cameron VFD Community Hall, Dallas VFD, Glen Dale VFD Hall, Moundsville VFD Hall, Roberts Ridge VFD Community Hall, St. Joseph VFD, Limestone Presbyterian Church, Benwood City Council Chambers (Monday-Friday daytime hours), Cameron City Council Chambers (Monday-Friday daytime hours) and the McMechen City Building (Monday-Friday daytime hours)

Anyone using a cooling center should take their own bottled water, snacks, prescription medications, cell phone charger or any other necessities with them, said Marshall County EMA Director Tom Hart. Otherwise, they’re advised to stay with family or friends with air conditioning or head to a retail area to get out of the heat.

Belmont County EMA officials also released a list, requesting that those who need a place to shelter call ahead so arrangements can be made. People are asked to take drinks, snacks, prescription medicine, cell phone chargers and any other necessities with them.

The list in Belmont County includes Assumption Catholic Church in Barnesville (740-425-2181), Shekinah Church in Barnesville (740-624-0612), the Bellaire Salvation Army (740-676-6225), Belmont Gym (740-484-1989), Belmont United Methodist Church (740-509-3040), the Bethesda Village Community Room (740-582-1888), Bridgeport Church of God (513-266-0827), Spirit of 76 Fire Department in Bellaire (740-676-7676), Smith Township Fire Department in Centerville (740-310-0944), Colrain Fire Department (740-738-0263), Flushing Fire Department (740-968-4700 or 740-310-1964), Holloway VFD Hall (740-338-0593), Grace Presbyterian Church in Martins Ferry (740-633-2699), Neffs United Methodist Church (740-579-6069), Church of the Nazarene in Powhatan Point (740-472-4105), the Village of Shadyside Community Center (door is open), Somerton Fire Department (740-391-9060), Somerton United Methodist Church (740-391-9060), Sunset Heights Fire Department (740-827-6100) and Yorkville Fire Department (740-381-9570 or 740-359-8370).

Vargo also reminded residents to keep an eye on younger children and older family and neighbors and make sure their pets have plenty of water. He also stressed to make sure that children and pets aren’t locked in cars.