Richland County Emergency Management

Stay Safe During this Heat Wave

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Rosetta Kohout
(608) 647-8821

Residents reminded to stay cool, hydrated, and informed during extreme heat

Richland Center— High temperatures are expected over much of Wisconsin during the next week, and Richland County Public Health is reminding residents to take steps to stay cool during this heat wave.

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 from 8AM to 6PM every day.  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 Library will also be open to residents who should call 647-6444 to obtain the library’s hours of operation.  Likewise, the Viola Public Library welcomes residents to cool off at their facility during the upcoming heat wave.  Residents are encouraged to call 627-1850 to check on the dates and times when the library will be open.
  • 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.

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Richland County Cooling Centers – June 28th 2019

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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.

Richland County Cooling Centers – Urgent News Release #1

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For immediate release:  June 28, 2018

RICHLAND COUNTY COOLING CENTERS

Richland Center, WI:  Due to the extreme heat warnings forecasted for the next two days, the following Richland County cooling centers have been identified by Richland County Public Health.  The Richland County Courthouse will open its lobby and Conference Room 2 from 8:30AM-4:30PM tomorrow.  The Brewer Public Library in Richland Center will be open from 9:00AM-5:00PM tomorrow and from 10:00AM to 2:00PM on Saturday. The Woodman Community/Senior Center will be open from 7:00AM-5:00PM Friday and will be open on Saturday and Sunday as it is hosting events on those days.

Cooling centers have also been opened in Viola.  The Village of Viola Office will be open from 8:30AM-4:30PM tomorrow and will make a conference room available during that timeframe. The Viola Library will be open Friday from 2:00PM-7:00PM and on Saturday from 9:00AM-12:30PM.

In Lone Rock, the Lone Rock Community Hall will be open on both Friday and Saturday for those seeking relief from the heat.  The lower level of the building is air-conditioned.  The Lone Rock Community Hall will be open from early morning to evening both days. Adam Reno can be contacted at 608-604-4527 if questions arise.  Additional phone numbers are posted on the doors of the building for individuals seeking more information.

Officials will monitor the use of cooling centers and the weather to determine the continued need for cooling centers.

For up to date information, visit the Richland County website at https://em.co.richland.wi.us select the Resources tabs for more information on the cooling shelter locations.

Printable Press Release

Excessive Heat Expected

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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:
  1. Infants and young children
  2. People aged 65 or older
  3. People who are overweight
  4. People who have a mental illness
  5. Those who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure
  • Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and young children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

If you must be out in the heat:

  • Limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.
  • Cut down on exercise. If you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, nonalcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. Warning: If you are on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a sports beverage. Remember the warning in the first “tip” (above), too.
  • Try to rest often in shady areas.
  • Protect yourself from the sun by wearing a wide-brimmed hat (also keeps you cooler) and sunglasses and by putting on sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most effective products say “broad spectrum” or “UVA/UVB protection” on their labels).

Richland County Health & Human Services Public Health Department: (608) 647-8821

Richland County Flood Information Website: http://co.richland.wi.us

Tips During Extreme Heat 7-21-17

Be Weather-Aware and Prepare for the Extreme Heat Thursday and Friday

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Richland County Public Health and Richland County Emergency Management would like to remind you as you go out and enjoy Churnin’ Dirt and other outdoor events this weekend to be weather-aware and prepare for the extreme heat Thursday and Friday.

The following are recommended:

  • Avoid prolonged exposure, particularly during the hottest part of the day, to these conditions.
  • If such activity is unavoidable, drink plenty of fluids and take frequent breaks.
  • Do not leave anyone – children, disabled individuals, pets – in cars for even brief periods. Temperatures can rise to life-threatening levels in a matter of minutes.
  • Check on neighbors and friends to ensure the elderly and those with health problems have access to air conditioning.
  • Use fans to increase ventilation. If the temperatures exceed 90° F, instead of having a fan blow hot air in from a window, have the fan blow the hot air to the outside. At extreme high temperatures, a fan loses its ability to effectively reduce heat-related illness.
  • Cool showers, baths, and sponge baths can be used to reduce body temperatures. Wet clothing may also have a cooling effect.
  • Find shelter and cool off immediately if you begin to feel dizzy, weak, nauseas, have a headache or experience muscle cramps.

If you or someone has hot dry skin, chest pains, is short of breath or confused, or loses consciousness, call 911.

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