July 22, 2016 at 3:59 p.m.
Rhinelander residents try to stay cool amidst heat wave
Rhinelander residents try to stay cool amidst heat wave
By Kayla Thomason-
Families dotted local beaches, building sandcastles and motes and taking refreshing dips in the cool water.
Tim Schult was found sitting in the shade at Buck Lake beach, watching his grandkids play in the water. He was preparing to take a dip himself and said he planned to stay near the water over the weekend.
"(The breeze is) very good, very refreshing," he said, as the wind picked up. "The water here is a little cooler than other lakes because it is spring-fed."
Noting that a large swath of the country is baking in what feels like the devil's oven as a so-called "heat dome" lingers, Schult said he's grateful for the Northwoods' plentiful bodies of water.
"Across the country everybody else is a lot warmer than we are (and) we have places to escape from the heat," he said.
Deborah Franks and Jodie Hansen were also enjoying an afternoon at the lake.
Hansen said her children have been finding creative ways to keep cool, including playing in their finished basement.
"They're enjoying (beating the heat)," Hansen said. "One of their favorite activities right now when we're home is to take the hose out on the trampoline with them."
They also had a water balloon fight Thursday morning.
"It's OK, we don't suffer through a lot of heat, you know, up here in the Northwoods so it's all right, it's OK," Franks added. "We find ways to keep cool."
"I'm just thankful to live up north where we don't deal with it much," Hansen added.
Over at Boom Lake, lifeguard Abby Bruso was watching over the beach.
She said she finds her job more entertaining when the beach is busy.
"Definitely makes you stay on your toes, especially here because the water is so dark, you can't see anything so you always have to be on guard and watching," she said.
Saturdays are almost always busy and two lifeguards are on duty, Sundays are hit and miss with the crowds and Fridays are pretty busy, she added.
"It's OK today because it's kind of windy," Bruso added. "If there wasn't wind I would be dying, but I always bring lots of ice water and sunscreen."
Dylan Wendt and his companions stood ankle-deep in the water, a hot coffee in hand. Wendt commented that he was drinking hot coffee to stay cool and would have to leave soon to work a 12-hour shift.
Pheonix Chapman, part of Wendt's group, was also dipping her feet into the water.
"(I'm staying cool by) standing in the water, the really cold water," she said.
Dustin Reiter wasn't phased by the heat.
"It's fabulous," he said.
Chapman didn't quite share his enthusiasm.
"I think (the heat has) been worse, it's been a lot worse, especially down in Madison, it gets a lot hotter," she said. "The wind up here is a lot better than down there."
How to stay cool
Public health officials have shared the following tips for surviving the scorcher.
• Pets, children and disabled persons should never be left in a parked car, no matter how short the jaunt away from the vehicle will be.
"Temperatures in a car can become life threatening within minutes," according to a state emergency management press release. "Temperature inside a car, even with windows cracked, can rise 20-30 degrees above outside temperature in 10 to 20 minutes. Air conditioning is no guarantee to be safe."
People and pets should try to stay cool by staying in an air-conditioned building as much as possible and avoid direct sunlight.
• There are cooling facilities open for business 24/7 should people need to find a way to escape the heat.
In Rhinelander, the cooling stations are the Trig's Riverwalk Centre Mall's seating area, located at 232 S. Courtney St., 715-369-1470, as well as Walmart, located at 2121 Lincoln St., 715-362-8550.
In the Minocqua/Woodruff area, people can seek refuge at the Trig's Mall seating area, located at 9750 Hwy. 70 W in Minocqua, 715-356-9456; Walmart, located at 8760 Northridge Way in Minocqua, 715-356-1609; and Howard Young Medical Center's main entrance, located in Woodruff, 715-356-8005.
For those in Eagle River, the designated cooling station is the Trig's Store's Mezzanine Area, located at 925 East Wall St., 715-479-6411; or the Eagle River Memorial Hospital's main entrance, located at 201 Hospital Rd., 715-479-7411.
A cool shower will also bring some relief.
"A shower or bath will actually work faster than an air conditioner," the release states. "Applying cool-wet rags to neck, head and limbs also cools down the body quickly and, cool towels can be added to your pet's head, neck, chest and belly."
Those who take medications should not stop doing so unless their doctor says so. If pets take medications consult your veterinarian.
Drink plenty of water and always make sure the pets' water dish is full.
Keep an eye on the weather and schedule your outdoor activities accordingly.
The Department of Health Services (DHS), local health departments, and Wisconsin Emergency Management (WEM) say to wear lightweight, light-colored and loose-fitting clothing, accessorize with an umbrella or hat to keep your head cool and don't forget sunscreen.
Individuals that are at a higher risk of heat-related illnesses are infants and children, those 65 years of age and older, people with chronic medical conditions, overweight, and pets exposed to the heat and humidity - even if they are in the shade - are at risk of a heat stroke, health officials say.
People and pets are most at risk inside a home with little to no air conditioning or vehicles.
"Many victims of heat-related deaths are socially isolated, maintaining little contact with family and friends," the release states. "This is why it is important to check on family, friends, neighbors, pets and livestock during extreme heat."
If you feel dizzy, have muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, vomiting or weakness, seek help. If someone has symptoms of hot, dry skin, chest pains, confusion, shortness of breath or loss of consciousness to call 9-1-1.
Wisconsin residents can also call 211 for information regarding heat-related health and safety.
For more tips visit https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/climate/weather/heat.htm or http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/.
Kayla Breese may be reached at kayla @rivernewsonline.com.
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