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LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Residents across Southwest Louisiana are doing everything they can to beat the heat.

Ice cream trucks, splashpads and air-conditioning vehicles can be seen all over Lake Charles.

Ella Winbush, who was out with her grandson at the Lake Charles Lakefront splashpad today, said she knows how important it is to stay cool this summer.

“While I do think last summer was hotter, it’s still important to stay cool and protected this summer,” said Winbush. “I take my grandson to the splashpad and I just sit in front of my fan.”

The Department of Health has updated its heat dashboard website to provide Louisiana residents tips, data and statistics to help them this summer. Dr. Sundee Winder at LDH said the updates to the dashboard make it so much more helpful.

“Last year, eighty-eight people died in Louisiana from heat-related illness, so this website is more important than ever. Some of the changes include giving viewers parish-by-parish information and giving out daily temperatures and peak heat times that re-averaged using local temperatures,” said Dr. Winder.

Winder also said the website uses information and data from participating Louisiana Emergency Departments to paint a better picture of what heat-related illnesses people are having in Louisiana.

“One of the biggest illnesses we’re seeing is heat stroke, so we’re hoping this website will spread awareness on just how dangerous heat here in our state can be.” said Dr. Winder. “It’s all about prevention.”

To visit the dashboard website, click HERE.