June 6, 2014 at 2:02 p.m.
Emergency management department launches summer heat safety campaign
Emergency management department launches summer heat safety campaign
In 2013, Wisconsin had 11 confirmed heat-related deaths. Many of those victims were socially isolated maintaining little contact with family and friends.
"This is why it is vitally important to check in on family, friends, and neighbors during extreme heat, especially those who are particularly vulnerable, like families with very young children, the elderly, and people who are on medications that could make them more susceptible to injury from extreme heat," the department said in a press release.
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.
Tips to keep safe in hot weather:
Never leave children, disabled persons, or pets in a parked car - even briefly. Temperatures in a car can become life threatening within minutes. On an 80-degree day with sunshine, the temperature inside a car even with the windows cracked slightly can rise 20 to 30 degrees above the outside temperature in 10 to 20 minutes. There have been cases where the inside temperature rose 40 degrees!
Keep your living space cool. If you have an air conditioner, use it. Cover windows to keep the sun from shining in. If you don't have an air conditioner you should consider going to a community cooling center. If you stay at home, open windows to let air circulate. 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 your body.
Slow down and limit physical activity. Plan outings or exertion for the early morning or after dark.
Drink plenty of water and eat lightly. Don't wait for thirst, but instead drink plenty of water throughout the day. Avoid alcohol or caffeine and stay away from hot, heavy meals.
Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing. Add a hat or umbrella to keep your head cool...and don't forget sunscreen!
Don't stop taking medication unless your doctor says you should. Take extra care to stay cool and ask your doctor or pharmacist for any special heat advice.
Taking a cool shower or bath will cool you down. A shower or bath will actually work faster than an air conditioner. Applying cold wet rags to the neck, head and limbs also cools down the body quickly.
Comments:
You must login to comment.