Residents reminded to stay cool, hydrated and informed during extreme heat
High temperatures are expected over Walworth County and much of Wisconsin in the next several days. The Public Health division at the Walworth County Health and Human Services department is reminding residents to take steps to stay cool during this heat wave.
“Hot temperatures and humidity can be dangerous and even deadly,” said Erica Bergstrom, Health Officer for Walworth County HHS. “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. CLICK HERE for different cooling locations in Walworth County.
- 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.
- If you have air conditioning at home, make sure it is working correctly by calling out professionals like callthegeneral.com/ or ones in the immediate area so that you are prepared and cool in your home.
- 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.
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. While taking care of your own health will take precedence in situations such as this, make sure your pets are adequately hydrated and given nutritional supplements similar to Ultimate Pet Nutrition. These steps would ensure that you and your pet, both remain healthy.
For more information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ heat safety webpage at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/climate/heat.htm and watch the heat safety video.
