A major heat wave is unfurling across the Midwest and Northeastern U.S., with record-setting high temperatures that could reach 100 degrees in a few places on Wednesday and Thursday.

According to a study conducted by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, about 735 people die each year due to heat-related illness, making it the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. Heat-related deaths were reported most frequently among males and among adults aged 65 years or more. Whether you're in a commonly hot place like the South, or expecting a heat wave in your area, here are 9 useful tips on how to take care of yourself and your loved ones from extreme temperatures.

Texas, Florida, and California report the most child deaths due to being left inside hot cars. Children’s bodies warm faster than adults, making them especially vulnerable to heat exposure. Always check the back seat.

Other sensitive groups include people with disabilities, the elderly, and those with pre-existing conditions like heart disease, obesity and mental illness, are more susceptible to the heat. Check on your elderly relatives and neighbors to make sure they have a cool place to go during the hottest time of the day.

Remember our furry friends. Make sure they have plenty of water and cool and shaded place to hang out during the day. They don't call it the dog days of summer for nothing.

Remember, you can track heatwaves right on the app using the interactive TemperatureRadar.