Green County officials and the Regional Southwest 7 Environmental Health Partnership, wants to remind you to be prepared for all types of severe weather that may come your way during the summer months. Common hazardous weather events in Wisconsin include thunderstorms, tornadoes, flooding, hail, and strong winds. Excessive heat is another form of extreme weather.

Did you know that extreme heat causes more deaths annually than all other weather hazards combined in Wisconsin?

Extreme weather can bring both direct and indirect health risks during and after an event. Injuries can occur during storms, chronic conditions can be worsened, and the aftermath of a storm can lead to unhealthy living spaces and dangerous clean-up conditions. In addition, severe weather can cause stress and anxiety, impacting mental health.

Preparing for severe weather is the best way to prevent injuries and minimize negative health effects. Here are a few steps you can take to prepare:

● Stay informed. Make sure to know when severe weather is approaching. Sign up for local alerts and warning systems that send notifications directly to cell phones. Contact local emergency management department to sign up. Stay informed through local TV weather stations, radio forecasts, and reputable online weather services.

● Have an emergency plan and supply kit. Create or update your household’s severe weather plan. Does everyone in your home know the plan? If not, take time to review it together. If you do not have an emergency plan, Green County Public Health has emergency preparedness toolkits for Green County residents to help create emergency plans, and think about questions such as: Where would you go if a tornado was sighted? What would you do during a flash flood? How long can you safely go without electricity? If you are interested in an emergency plan toolkit, they are available for pickup at our office in Monroe (N3152 Wis. 81, Monroe, WI 53566) or on our website under emergency preparedness.

● Prepare for safe cleanup. Make sure your tetanus vaccine is current, as cuts and puncture wounds from storm debris can lead to serious infection. Have proper protective gear ready for cleanup activities, such as gloves, sturdy shoes, eye protection, and masks, and take breaks to avoid overexertion.

● Support your community. Severe weather preparedness is most effective when we work together. Consider volunteering with organizations such as the Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) or the Red Cross. Learn basic first aid and remember to check on neighbors before and after severe weather events. They may need extra help and support.

Severe weather events can appear when we least expect them, but with planning and preparation, we can all “weather the storm” with greater confidence.

For more information on severe weather events and preparedness, visit weather.gov, Ready.gov, and dhs.wisconsin.gov/climate/storms.