Familiarize yourself with these terms to help identify an extreme heat hazard:

• Heat Wave – Prolonged period of excessive heat, often combined with excessive humidity.
• Heat Index – A number in degrees Fahrenheit (F) that tells how hot it feels when relative humidity is added to the air temperature. Exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by 15 degrees.
• Heat Cramps – Muscular pains and spasms due to heavy exertion. Although heat cramps are the least severe, they are often the first signal that the body is having trouble with the heat.
• Heat Exhaustion – Typically occurs when people exercise heavily or work in a hot, humid place where body fluids are lost through heavy sweating. Blood flow to the skin increases, causing blood flow to decrease to the vital organs. This results in a form of mild shock. If not treated, the victim’s condition will worsen. Body temperature will keep rising and the victim may suffer heat stroke.
• Heat Stroke – A life-threatening condition. The victim’s temperature control system, which produces sweating to cool the body, stops working. The body temperature can rise so high that brain damage and death may result if the body is not cooled quickly.
• Sun Stroke – Another term for heat stroke.
• Excessive Heat Watch – Conditions are favorable for an excessive heat event to meet or exceed local Excessive Heat Warning criteria in the next 24 to 72 hours.
• Excessive Heat Warning – Heat Index values are forecast to meet or exceed locally defined warning criteria for at least 2 days (daytime highs=105-110° Fahrenheit).
• Heat Advisory – Heat Index values are forecast to meet locally defined advisory criteria for 1 to 2 days (daytime highs=100-105° Fahrenheit).

Remember to talk to your kids about extreme heat and how they can stay safe while still getting out and enjoying their summer! Not sure how to start the conversation? Ready Wrigley to the rescue!

Ready Wrigley Extreme Heat

Heat can kill. Hundreds of people die from extreme heat events each year in the United States. That’s why Governor Scott Walker has declared Thursday, June 9th as Heat Awareness Day. Wisconsin Emergency Management, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the National Weather Service are reminding people of the dangers associated with extreme heat and to promote community safety and health.

“Heat related deaths and illness are preventable,” says Major General Don Dunbar, Adjutant General and Wisconsin’s Homeland Security Advisor. “People need to be aware of who is at greatest risk and what can be done to prevent the loss of life.”

Remember these tips:

• Stay Cool: Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible and avoid direct sunlight
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink
• Stay Informed: Watch your local weather forecasts so you can plan activities safely when it’s hot outside. Watch for any extreme heat alerts.

People at higher risk of a heat-related illness include:

• Infants and young children
• People 65 years of age and older
• People who are overweight
• People with chronic medical conditions

Where you are most at risk:

• Homes with little or no air conditioning
• Cars

Many victims of heat-related deaths are socially isolated, maintaining little contact with family and friends. This is why it is important to check in on family, friends, and neighbors during extreme heat. Those most vulnerable include very young children, the elderly, and people with heart disease or high blood pressure. Individuals who are on certain medications may also be more susceptible to illnesses during extreme heat events.

Many cities and counties across Wisconsin open cooling centers during periods of extreme heat. These centers are a great place for people to come into an air conditioned facility and get some relief from the heat. ReadyWisconsin will list open cooling centers on our website:

Heat can kill. Hundreds of people die from extreme heat events each year in the United States. That’s why Governor Scott Walker has declared Thursday, June 9th as Heat Awareness Day. Wisconsin Emergency Management, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the National Weather Service are reminding people of the dangers associated with extreme heat and to promote community safety and health.

“Heat related deaths and illness are preventable,” says Major General Don Dunbar, Adjutant General and Wisconsin’s Homeland Security Advisor. “People need to be aware of who is at greatest risk and what can be done to prevent the loss of life.”

Remember these tips:

• Stay Cool: Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible and avoid direct sunlight
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink
• Stay Informed: Watch your local weather forecasts so you can plan activities safely when it’s hot outside. Watch for any extreme heat alerts.

People at higher risk of a heat-related illness include:

• Infants and young children
• People 65 years of age and older
• People who are overweight
• People with chronic medical conditions

Where you are most at risk:

• Homes with little or no air conditioning
• Cars

Many victims of heat-related deaths are socially isolated, maintaining little contact with family and friends. This is why it is important to check in on family, friends, and neighbors during extreme heat. Those most vulnerable include very young children, the elderly, and people with heart disease or high blood pressure. Individuals who are on certain medications may also be more susceptible to illnesses during extreme heat events.

Many cities and counties across Wisconsin open cooling centers during periods of extreme heat. These centers are a great place for people to come into an air conditioned facility and get some relief from the heat. ReadyWisconsin will list open cooling centers on our website: http://readywisconsin.wi.gov

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