Green County has already seen a wide variety of weather this summer — from storms to weeks without rain, extreme heat, and even very unhealthy air quality conditions. We can’t control the weather, but there are steps people can take to stay safe and healthy during extreme weather.
High temperatures can make people sick — heat exhaustion and even heat stroke are possible when it’s hot outside. If you’re going to be spending time outdoors on a warm day, try wearing lightweight, loose, light-colored clothing. Avoid being outdoors in the middle of the day. If you have to be outside, make you have water with you to stay hydrated and try to stay in the shade. If you don’t have air conditioning where you live, consider finding somewhere with air conditioning to spend some time on hot days, whether that is with a friend or family member or a public place like a library or a church. Be sure to call the organization ahead to make sure they are open. Don’t forget to check in on friends, loved ones, and neighbors to make sure they are okay and see if they need any assistance during a heat wave.
Although we haven’t seen much of them yet this summer, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are possible during summertime in Green County. When storms are rolling in, it’s essential to know the terms being used. For example, a Severe Thunderstorm Watch or Tornado Watch means that storms are possible in the area; this is the time to be prepared and stay informed. Whereas a Severe Thunderstorm Warning or Tornado Warning means that a storm or tornado has been reported by spotters or indicated on radar, this is the time to take action and take shelter. If you haven’t already, make sure your smartphone is set to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts for severe weather. It’s also good to have a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather radio at home to receive severe weather updates. During a severe storm or tornado, take shelter on the lowest level of a building, in a small center room, and try to avoid windows.
Depending on the storm, we could see flooding during the storm or afterward. Either way, flooding is dangerous. If you live in a flood-prone area, get to higher ground immediately during the flood and do not wait for instructions to move. If told to evacuate, do so immediately. After a flood, avoid standing water, it can hide dangers like toxins and chemicals. There may be sharp objects, or the road could have collapsed. If your home has been flooded, avoid the area if there are still flood waters around the house, and use caution when you can enter your home. Inspect the foundations for cracks or other damage. Dry out your home as soon as possible to prevent mold. When cleaning, make sure you are wearing goggles, a long-sleeved shirt, protective gloves, boots, pants, and a respirator mask to protect you from mold damage.
Recently, the Midwest has seen very poor air quality due to wildfires in Canada. During times of poor air quality, the best way to avoid the smoke or other particles in the air is to stay inside. If you need to spend time outside during wildfire smoke events, you should check the air quality conditions before leaving the house and throughout the day. Try to avoid or limit exercising outdoors, and consider wearing an N-95 mask, especially if you’ll be outdoors for an extended period. To check the air quality conditions, go to airnow.gov.
If your family doesn’t already have an emergency plan and emergency kit, now is a great time to start working on them. Talk with your family members about where you’ll go and what you’ll do during different types of emergencies, and pack a bag with essential items for your family, like food, water, and other supplies. Green County Public Health has emergency plan resources available to help families develop a plan; call our office at (608) 328-9390 to schedule a time to pick up an emergency plan. To learn more about staying safe this summer and how to build an emergency kit, go to ready.gov. And don’t forget, in the event of an emergency, call 911.
— Bridget Zimmerman is the Public Health Educator for the Green County Public Health Department and can be reached at bzimmerman@greengountywi.org or 608-328-9509.
