MONROE - Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day is set for Thursday. Green County Emergency Management, Wisconsin Emergency Management, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and the National Weather Service are reminding people of the dangers associated with extreme heat and to promote community safety and health.
Summer heat waves have been the biggest weather-related killers in Wisconsin for the past 50 years, far exceeding tornadoes, severe storms and floods combined. Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States.
In 2013, Wisconsin had 11 confirmed heat-related deaths, 24 in 2012 and during the July 17 through 21 heat wave in 2011, five people died and over 100 people were sickened.
Temperatures in a car become life-threatening in minutes. On an 80-degree day, the temperature in a car, even with the windows cracked slightly, can rise 20 to 30 degrees above the outside temperature in just 10 to 20 minutes. Never leave children, disabled persons or pets in a parked car - even briefly.
Use an air conditioner and cover the windows to keep the sun from shining in. 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 the body.
Plan outings or outside activities for the early morning or after dark when temperatures are cooler. Wear a hat or use an umbrella to keep your head cool and use sunscreen.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid alcohol or caffeine. Eat light meals and stay away from hot heavy meals.
Some medications may make people more susceptible to heat-related illness; ask doctors or pharmacists about the medicine that is taken. A cool shower or bath will quickly cool one down or applying cold wet rags to the neck, head and limbs also cools down the body quickly, too. If this does not help, seek medical attention immediately.
For more information, visit the Green County Emergency Management's website at www.greencountyem.com or visit Ready Wisconsin at readywisconsin.wi.gov.
Summer heat waves have been the biggest weather-related killers in Wisconsin for the past 50 years, far exceeding tornadoes, severe storms and floods combined. Heat is the number one weather-related killer in the United States.
In 2013, Wisconsin had 11 confirmed heat-related deaths, 24 in 2012 and during the July 17 through 21 heat wave in 2011, five people died and over 100 people were sickened.
Temperatures in a car become life-threatening in minutes. On an 80-degree day, the temperature in a car, even with the windows cracked slightly, can rise 20 to 30 degrees above the outside temperature in just 10 to 20 minutes. Never leave children, disabled persons or pets in a parked car - even briefly.
Use an air conditioner and cover the windows to keep the sun from shining in. 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 the body.
Plan outings or outside activities for the early morning or after dark when temperatures are cooler. Wear a hat or use an umbrella to keep your head cool and use sunscreen.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day and avoid alcohol or caffeine. Eat light meals and stay away from hot heavy meals.
Some medications may make people more susceptible to heat-related illness; ask doctors or pharmacists about the medicine that is taken. A cool shower or bath will quickly cool one down or applying cold wet rags to the neck, head and limbs also cools down the body quickly, too. If this does not help, seek medical attention immediately.
For more information, visit the Green County Emergency Management's website at www.greencountyem.com or visit Ready Wisconsin at readywisconsin.wi.gov.