UNL officials urge football fans to be aware of heat, humidity

With moderate heat expected on Saturday, UNL officials are encouraging fans planning to attend Nebraska's football season opener against Brigham Young University to be aware of the dangers of heat and humidity and to take steps to protect themselves.

As an exception to Memorial Stadium's food and beverage policy, the Nebraska Athletics Department will allow each ticketed fan to bring in up to two bottles, 20 ounces or smaller, of sealed or unsealed non-alcoholic beverages during the Nebraska-BYU game. Water bottles are recommended. Large coolers and jugs are prohibited. Subsequent home games will be addressed individually. Visit http://huskers.com/gameday for a complete listing of prohibited items.

The Huskers will face the Cougars in the heat of the day -- in temperatures above 90 degrees and humidity around 65 percent.

Many fans will be seated in direct sunshine, which can raise the heat index by an additional 15 degrees. Close contact with other fans raises it further.

To prevent heat illness, fans attending Saturday's game should:

• Drink lots of water. Avoid drinking liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar, which cause the loss of more body fluid. Avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Minimize direct contact with the sun. Try to rest often in shady areas.
• Snack regularly, rather than eating heavy meals. Consider eating light, cool, easy-to-digest foods such as fruit or salads.
• Wear loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Fans can purchase more water or refill at fountains on the concourses of Memorial Stadium.

The American Red Cross provides emergency medical services in the stadium and at first aid stations in the southeast corner of field level, east stadium upper concourse, northwest concourse and west stadium club level of the stadium.

The southeast and northwest aid stations will be staffed with Lincoln Fire and Rescue paramedics and EMTs to provide advanced medical care and facilitate any necessary transfers to area hospitals. Contact emergency services by texting to 69050 with the first word in message "UNLPD" or contact Red Cross volunteers, Boy Scout volunteers or stadium personnel.