Richland County Emergency Management

Heat Related Health and Safety Tips

By

GET COOL OR GET HELP NOW IF YOU FEEL:

Dizziness | Headache | Muscle Cramps | Weakness | Nausea or Vomiting

Call 9-1-1 FOR THESE SYMPTOMS:

Hot, dry skin | Confusion | Unconsciousness | Chest Pains | Shortness of Breath

extremeHeatGuideWarm temperatures combined with high humidity levels can pose a risk of heat-related illness and death. Extreme heat is described as temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region and last for several weeks. Humid or muggy conditions, which add to the discomfort of high temperatures, occur when a “dome” of high atmospheric pressure traps hazy, damp air near the ground.

  • Although anyone at any time can suffer from heat-related illness, some people are at greater risk than others.
  • Infants and children up to four years of age are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on others to regulate their environments and provide adequate liquids.
  • People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and respond to change in temperature.
  • People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness because of their tendency to retain more body heat.
  • People who overexert during work or exercise may become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.
  • People who are physically ill, especially with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat.

In Wisconsin, generally when temperatures approach or go above 90° F, the following actions are recommended:

  • Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. If such activity is unavoidable, drink plenty of fluids and take frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas. Consider monitoring body weight and oral temperature. A weight loss of more than 2 lbs. or an oral temperature above 99° F is cause for concern.
  • 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.
  • Make frequent checks on the status of elderly or ill relatives or neighbors. If necessary, move them to an air-conditioned environment during the hottest part of the day.
  • To avoid dehydration, a conscious effort should be made to drink more fluids during hot weather. Rapid weight loss may be a sign of dehydration. Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
  • 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. In addition, wet clothing has a cooling effect.

Flash Flooding Possible Late Tonight. Dangerous Heat Thursday into Friday.

By

2016-07-19

Thunderstorms could produce heavy rainfall across parts of the area late tonight into Wednesday morning which may lead to flash flooding. Be prepared to seek higher ground if you are in a flood prone area. Those camping near streams or coulee areas should be alert for rising water levels and possible flash flooding. Hot and humid conditions are expected Thursday into Friday when afternoon heat index values of 100 to 115 are possible. The worst conditions are expected Thursday afternoon.

Heat Awareness

By

heatAwareness

Heat can kill. That’s why Wisconsin Emergency Management and the National Weather Service are reminding people of the dangers associated with extreme heat and to promote safety measures.

Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States and Wisconsin far exceeding tornadoes, severe storms and floods combined.

In 1995, two major killer heat waves affected most of Wisconsin, resulting in 154 heat-related deaths and over 300 heat-related illnesses. Summer heat waves have been the biggest weather-related killers in Wisconsin for the past 50 years, far exceeding tornadoes and severe storms.

In the summer of 2011, Wisconsin lost five people to heat-related illnesses during the July 18-22 heat wave. A 60 year old man in Fountain Prairie died while helping a family member with outdoor housework. Also an 82 year old woman in Prairie du Chien, a 80 year old man in Marquette County and an 87 year old Reedsburg woman lost their lives in the heat. The Reedsburg victim was found dead in her trailer which apparently did not have air conditioning. And a 65-year-old Sparta woman died on July 23. She did not have air conditioning in her home and she also had an underlying health condition.

In 2012, Wisconsin had confirmed 27 heat related deaths, most occurred during five days of Excessive Heat Warnings from July 2-6. The heat index rose to 105 F degrees for 48 hours with night time lows of 75 F. It was the second hottest and third longest heat wave in Wisconsin. None of the victims had air conditioning and did not seek shelter at one of the many cooling centers which opened around the state.

In 2013, 11 Wisconsin residents suffered heat-related death. Many of those victims were socially isolated (limited contact with the outside world).


To help keep cool this summer, here are some tips to keep safe in hot weather:

Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day
1. Never leave children, disabled persons, or pets in a parked car – even briefly. Temperatures in a car can become life threatening within minutes. On an 80-degree day, the temperature inside a car even with the windows cracked slightly can reach 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes!

http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/heat/media/Heating%20Car.wmv
2. Keep your living space cool or seek shelter at cooling center: If you have an air conditioner, use it. Cover windows to keep the sun from shining in. If you don’t have an air conditioner you should consider going to a community cooling center. If you stay at home, open windows to let air circulate. At extreme high temperatures, a fan loses its ability to effectively reduce heat-related illness. When it’s hotter than 95 degrees use fans to blow hot air out of the window rather than to blow hot air on your body. Basements or ground floors are often cooler than higher floors.
3. Slow down and limit physical activity. Plan outings or exertion for the early morning or after dark, when temperatures are cooler.
4. Drink plenty of water and eat lightly. Don’t wait for thirst, but instead drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol or caffeine and stay away from hot, heavy meals.
5. Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Add a hat or umbrella to keep your head cool…and don’t forget sunscreen!
6. Don’t stop taking medication unless your doctor says you should. Take extra care to stay cool, and ask your doctor or pharmacist for any special heat advice.
7. Taking a cool shower or bath will cool you down. A shower or bath will actually work faster than air conditioner. Applying cold wet rags to the neck, head and limbs also cools down the body quickly.

For more information on Heat awareness and Heat Symptoms, Click Here.

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