Richland County Emergency Management

Public Health Press Release #4

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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 21st as part of the disaster shelter which will be staffed 24 hours per day through Monday, July 24th 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…]

Public Health Press Release #3

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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…]

Public Health Press Release #2

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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 Press Release #1

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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…]

Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week

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(Richland County, WI) –   Schools, businesses, families, and individuals have two opportunities to test their emergency plans during statewide tornado drills on April 20, 2017. The drills are part of the annual spring severe weather campaign to encourage everyone in Wisconsin to be ready for possible tornadoes and severe weather.

Governor Walker has declared April 17-21, 2017 as Wisconsin’s Tornado & Severe Weather Awareness Week. Wisconsin Emergency Management, the National Weather Service (NWS) and the Wisconsin Broadcasters Association (WBA) have once again teamed up to sponsor the statewide tornado drills scheduled for Thursday, April 20.

On April 20th, a mock tornado watch will be issued at 1:00 p.m. followed by a statewide mock tornado warning at 1:45 p.m. WRCO Radio and TV stations across the state will issue the test tornado warnings. Tornado sirens in communities across the county will also be tested as a part of the mock tornado drill.

In addition, mock alerts will be issued on NOAA Weather Radios and many communities will sound their tornado sirens to test their emergency severe weather plans. Later, a mock tornado warning will be issued at 6:45 p.m. to give families and second shift workers a chance to practice their emergency plans.

According to the NWS, Wisconsin averages 23 tornadoes annually. Last year, there were 16 tornado touchdowns in the state. All of the tornadoes were either an EF0 or EF1. However, it’s not a question of if we will have a violent storm, it’s a matter of when.

The tornado drill will take place even if the sky is cloudy, dark and or rainy. If actual severe storms are expected in the state on Thursday, April 20, the tornado drills will be postponed until Friday, April 21 with the same times. If severe storms are possible Friday, the drills will be cancelled.

Any changes will be issued to local media as well as the following sites:

Richland County Emergency Management website at https://em.co.richland.wi.us

ReadyWisconsin website at http://readywisconsin.wi.gov.

Updates will also be posted on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ReadyWisconsin), Twitter (www.twitter.com/ReadyWisconsin), and Instagram (www.instagram.com/ReadyWisconsin).

https://em.co.richland.wi.us/