MCALLEN-- With the start of summer this week, some folks in the valley are already feeling the effects.

Landscaper Arturo Flores works in the heat daily.

"We're used to it. We've always worked outside. I worked many years in the fields."

Flores said he's used to it, but it doesn't make it any easier.

"Yeah, sometimes it is hard because of the heat. You sweat a lot and you get thirsty."

When CHANNEL 5 NEWS spoke to him at a park in McAllen, he was sitting in the shade.

Flores told us he's taking extra precautions after what happened to a co-worker yesterday.

"Yesterday, we had one who got really sick. We took him to the hospital to help him get better."

McAllen fire Captain, James Farrell, shared some symptoms folks could get from the heat.

"Some of the signs you may have may start with heat cramps. That's usually the first items you're going to have. Progressing to heat exhaustion, which would be some sweating and maybe some more cramps."

Captain Farrell said they haven't had an increase in those type of calls, but they're always ready.

He has these tips for people who work outside.

"Try to work in the early hours of the day, or later hours of the day."

Flores said they're playing it safe.

"Right now we're in the shade because we're having lunch. Put a cap on, and keep hydrating."

He said he doesn't want anything to happen to his co-workers or himself.

Captain Farrell said he can't stress enough how important it is to stay hydrated in the heat.