As shoppers prepare for the annual Worthington Town-Wide Yard Sales this weekend, the Worthington Police Department is reminding residents and visitors to take extra precautions amid expected high temperatures and increased traffic.

Police encourage everyone attending the sales to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day, as the heat index is expected to be elevated.

Motorists are also urged to slow down and remain alert, as town streets are expected to see a significant increase in pedestrian traffic, golf carts and other slow-moving vehicles traveling between yard sales.

Those shopping on foot are encouraged to use sidewalks where available, look both ways before crossing streets and remain aware of vehicles backing out of driveways and parking spaces.

The department is also reminding residents to keep pets at home in air-conditioned environments when possible and never leave children or pets unattended inside parked vehicles, where temperatures can become dangerous within minutes.

Police ask everyone to look out for one another throughout the weekend and to call 911 immediately if they observe an emergency or someone showing signs of severe heat-related illness.

The annual Worthington Town-Wide Yard Sales are expected to draw visitors from across the area, making this one of the community's busiest weekends of the year.