TIPS TO PREPARE AN EMERGENCY SUPPLY KIT

Richland Center, WI: Richland County Health & Human Services recommends preparing an emergency kit for your family to keep them safe and healthy during a disaster. If a disaster strikes in your community, you might not have access to food, water, or electricity for several days. You may think that you will have enough time to run to the grocery store, but stores quickly sell out of important supplies following emergency warnings. Unfortunately, about half of adults in the United States do not have the resources and plans in place for a possible emergency.
Here’s what you’ll need in an Emergency Supply Kit: [Read more…]

COOLING CENTER OPENING DUE TO EXTREME HEAT

Richland Center, WI:  A Cooling Center will be opended at the Richland Center Community/Senior Center starting Friday, July 21^st as part of the disaster shelter which will be staffed 24 hours per day through Monday, July 24^th or until the heat wave ends.  Individuals needing water or air conditioning may cool off in the Richland Center Community/Senior Center located at 1050 N. Orange Street in Richland Center. [Read more…]

HEAT STROKE AND HEAT EXHAUSTION

Richland Center, WI: The high temperatures we have been experiencing over the last few days increases the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for those who are sensitive to the heat, such as young children and the elderly.

What is heat stroke?

Heat stroke is the most serious heat-related illness. It occurs when the body becomes unable to control its temperature: the body’s temperature rises rapidly, the sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool down. Body temperature may rise to 106°F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided. [Read more…]

TIPS TO PREVENT HEAT-RELATED ILLNESSES

Richland Center, WI: With the prediction of high temperatures over the next few days, these temperatures could increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, especially for those who are sensitive to the heat, such as young children and the elderly.
Richland County Health & Human Services is advising individuals to follow essential tips to prevent heat-related illnesses:

• Drink more fluids (nonalcoholic), regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink. Warning: If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask him how much you should drink while the weather is hot.
• Don’t drink liquids that contain alcohol or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid. Also, avoid very cold drinks, because they can cause stomach cramps.
• Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to the public library or other air conditioned public building–even a few hours spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler when you go back into the heat.
• Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath, or moving to an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.
• Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.
• NEVER leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle.
• Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others. Check regularly on:

[Read more…]

PUBLIC HEALTH HAZARDS IN RELATION TO FLOODING

Richland Center, WI: Richland County Health & Human Services is advising the public of the potential Public Health hazards in relation to the area flooding.

Water Safety

Do not use water for drinking, brushing teeth, cooking, or making ice unless you are certain that it is safe. The DNR is recommending that if wells are submerged they should be disinfected prior to completing a well sample. Please contact the Public Health Department or check out our website for further information regarding the technique involved with disinfecting a well. The Public Health Department is recommending that all well samples be postponed until at least next Monday, July 24th to avoid a sample being considered too old to test due to the upcoming weekend. Water test kits may be picked up at the Community Services Building Monday through Friday from 8am – 5pm.

Mold

After a flood, mold will grow in your house and can make you sick. Items that were wet for 2 or more days should be taken outside, as they have mold growing on them even if you can’t see it. Hard surfaced items can be cleaned with soap and water and then sanitized with a bleach solution. Cloth items can be washed in hot water. Please contact the Public Health Department or check out our website for further information regarding the techniques involved with removing mold from household items. [Read more…]