MONROE — In advance of one of the first oppressive Midwest heatwaves of the year, federal state and local emergency management officials are pushing precautions to avoid potentially fatal heat-related health issues.
“With the season’s first wave of oppressive heat and humidity forecast this week, the FEMA Region 5 office in Chicago is encouraging residents to avoid the dangers of extreme heat by taking some simple steps to stay safe,” said a June 13 press release from FEMA.
One way to beat the heat is cooling centers — public spaces that are air-conditioned. In Monroe, officials haven’t designated any official cooling sites for those without air conditioning, but Green County Emergency Management Executive Director Tanna McKeon still urged residents to take advantage of the cool air at the public library downtown, or with family and friends.
That’s especially true, experts say, for the very old and those who suffer from chronic health conditions. FEMA also noted that “extreme heat makes the body work extra hard to maintain a normal temperature. Regularly check yourself and those you care about — especially children, older adults and pets — for the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses and be ready to respond to them.”
Typically, though, she said designated cooling centers in the county don’t see much traffic, and she especially doesn’t expect it to happen during this week’s relatively short-lived heat spell.
“We want people to take as many precautions as possible,” said McKeon. “Be careful and if you don’t feel well from the heat don’t hesitate to call 911.”
She said those with questions about heat-related stress should visit greencountyem.com for additional information.
Brodhead released a list of cooling-center locations via a Rock County press release, and those include Brodhead City Hall and Police Department. The Eager Free Public Library in Evansville, 39 West Main Street, also is among the cooling centers in Rock County.
For more information and tips on being ready for extreme heat, visit www.ready.gov/heat.