STAY SAFE AS TEMPERATURES RISE THIS WEEK
Residents reminded to stay cool, hydrated, and informed during extreme heat
Richland Center— High temperatures are expected over much of Wisconsin during the next several days, and Richland County HHS-Public Health is reminding residents to take steps to stay cool during this heat wave.
“This is our first stretch of hot days this summer, and we want people to be prepared,” said Rose Kohout, Health Officer for Richland County. “During heat waves like this one, it’s important to stay cool, hydrated, and informed.”
Follow these tips to stay safe during extreme heat:
Stay in air conditioning. When possible, stay in air conditioning on hot days. If you don’t have air conditioning, head to libraries, malls, and other public spaces to keep cool. The Richland County Courthouse will be open for those seeking relief from the heat on Friday, June 28th from 8AM to 6PM, Saturday, June 29th from 8AM to 6PM and on Sunday, June 30th from 8AM to 6PM. On the weekend, the public must buzz in in order to access the building. Conference Room 2 will be open for those needing the service. The Brewer Public Library will be open Friday, June 28th from 9AM to 5PM, Saturday, June 29th from 10AM to 2PM, and Monday from 9AM to 8PM. The Viola Public Library welcomes residents to its facility during these hours: Friday, June 28th from 2PM to 7PM, Saturday, June 29th from 9:30AM to 12:30PM, and Tuesday, July 2, 2019, from 9:30AM to 12:30PM and 1PM to 5PM. If any other cooling shelters are identified, Richland County Public Health will notify residents.
- Check on loved ones. Be sure to check on older friends and neighbors who live alone and don’t have air conditioning.
- Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you have to be outside, stick to the cooler morning and evening hours. Wear light, loose clothing and take frequent, air conditioned breaks.
- Beware of hot cars. Never leave a person or a pet in a parked car, even for a short time. On an 80 degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water on hot days. Avoid alcohol and hot, heavy meals.
- Stay informed. Watch your local weather forecasts so you can plan outdoor activities safely. Pay attention to any extreme heat alerts.
- Remember that anyone can get sick from the heat. In Wisconsin, people ages 15-34 are the most likely to report to the ER for getting sick from the heat. No matter your age or how healthy you are, it’s important to stay cool, hydrated, and informed on hot days.
If you start feeling overheated, weak, dizzy, nauseated, or have muscle cramps, you could be experiencing heat illness. Move to air conditioning, drink water, get under a fan, and put on cool washcloths. If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve, go to the emergency room.
For more information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ heat safety webpage.