The Milwaukee Health Department issues a heat health advisory amid heat wave
With this week’s heat wave starting today in some parts of the state, the City of Milwaukee Health Department and the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management issued a heat health warning for the city Tuesday morning.
The warning was issued in response to the National Weather Service’s Excessive Heat Health Advisory, which is in effect from 10am to 9pm on Wednesday, August 23. The NWS forecast currently expects heat indexes to reach 105-110 degrees in the area. Affected by the warning. An excessive heat watch will be in effect until Thursday.
more: MPS closes schools Wednesday due to the heat
According to a press release from the Department of Health, the department will “enhance heat-related illness surveillance in the coming days and work with Metropolitan Milwaukee Severe Weather Task Force partners to address the needs of vulnerable populations during this period.”
Those in need of emergency services should call Impact 211 for assistance, the statement said.
Where are cooling sites located in Milwaukee?
The Department of Health maintains an updated online map of air-conditioned public spaces and cooling sites, including splash pads, swimming pools and beaches.
All Milwaukee Public Libraries and senior centers in Milwaukee County offer air-conditioned public spaces during business hours.
The Department of Health’s website also includes a list of cooling sites in the greater Milwaukee area and its suburbs, including malls, churches, community centers and more.
How do I stay safe in the heat?
To prevent heat-related illness or death, the Department of Health advises citizens to take the following precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Stay calm
- Slower. Limit physical activity and try to spend part of your day in air-conditioned places, such as malls, movie theaters or libraries.
- Never leave children or pets in a parked car. The temperatures can become life-threatening within minutes.
- Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
- Take a cool shower or bath and use wet towels on your skin to help you cool down.
- Don’t rely on fans as your primary cooling device.
- Check on those most at risk twice a day.
Stay hydrated
- Drink plenty of water throughout the day, regardless of thirst.
- Avoid drinking beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol, as they can increase the effects of heat.
- Remind others to drink enough water.
Stay informed
- Check local news and weather reports for extreme heat alerts and safety tips.
- Watch for symptoms of heat-related illness.
- Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, fatigue, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting or fainting.
- Symptoms of heatstroke include extremely high body temperature, hot and dry skin (anhidrosis), rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or loss of consciousness.
- Check on relatives, friends or neighbours, especially those who are at higher risk of heat-related illness, which includes the very young, the elderly and those taking certain medications (especially some medications related to blood pressure, heart disease and mental health).
more: Wisconsin is in the middle of a heat dome this week. What does it mean?
