Please follow these guidelines to protect your companion animal when the mercury rises.

*Overheating can kill an animal. Never leave an animal alone in a vehicle, since even with the windows open, a parked car, truck or van can quickly become a furnace. Parking in shade offers only very short term protection, as the sun shifts during the day. When traveling, carry a gallon thermos filled with fresh, cold water.

 *Don't force your animal to exercise after a meal in hot, humid weather. Always exercise him in the early morning or in the evening.

 *In extremely hot weather, don't leave you dog standing on the street, and keep walks to a minimum. He is much closer than you to the hot asphalt, and his body can heat up quickly. His paws can also burn, since they are not protected by shoes.

Many viewers are telling us that they're hearing the cicadas.

Have you seen any of these noise-making culprits? Some viewers are telling us they are louder this week than they were when they first emerged.

Send us your photos or video to whereyoulive@13wmaz.com.

Through the month of April, the Go Fish Education Center is offering a dollar off admission for all Houston County residents.

Just show your valid driver's license.

The Go Fish Education Center is open Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Sunday 1-5 p.m.