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!
Extreme Heat
To prepare for extreme heat, you should:
- To begin preparing, you should build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
- Install window air conditioners snugly; insulate if necessary.
- Check air-conditioning ducts for proper insulation.
- Install temporary window reflectors (for use between windows and drapes), such as aluminum foil-covered cardboard, to reflect heat back outside.
- Weather-strip doors and sills to keep cool air in.
- Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, awnings, or louvers. (Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat that enters a home by up to 80 percent.)
- Keep storm windows up all year.
- Listen to local weather forecasts and stay aware of upcoming temperature changes.
- Know those in your neighborhood who are elderly, young, sick or overweight. They are more likely to become victims of excessive heat and may need help.
- Be aware that people living in urban areas may be at greater risk from the effects of a prolonged heat wave than are people living in rural areas.
- Get trained in first aid to learn how to treat heat-related emergencies.
You’re never too young to learn CPR!
You’re never too young to learn CPR! If you’re interested in learning how to do CPR and use an AED, contact the Richland County Ambulance Service to set a class up with your group!
Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day
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
Stay informed on impending heat dangers by following us on: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
What are damaging winds?
What are damaging winds?
Damaging winds are often called “straight-line” winds to differentiate the damage they cause from tornado damage. Strong thunderstorm winds can come from a number of different processes. Most thunderstorm winds that cause damage at the ground are a result of outflow generated by a thunderstorm downdraft. Damaging winds are classified as those exceeding 50-60 mph.
Are damaging winds really a big deal?
Damage from severe thunderstorm winds account for half of all severe reports in the lower 48 states and is more common than damage from tornadoes. Wind speeds can reach up to 100 mph and can produce a damage path extending for hundreds of miles.
Who is at risk from damaging winds?
Since most thunderstorms produce some straight-line winds as a result of outflow generated by the thunderstorm downdraft, anyone living in thunderstorm-prone areas of the world is at risk for experiencing this hazard.
People living in mobile homes are especially at risk for injury and death. Even anchored mobile homes can be seriously damaged when winds gust over 80 mph.
To see more information from the National Weather Service about damaging winds, visit: http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/education/svrwx101/wind/faq/