Dangerous heat expected to return this week

People are encouraged to take extra precautions this week as hot temperatures and humidity are expected to return, causing dangerous conditions, especially in the western half of the state.

This summer, 10 people died due to extreme heat in Wisconsin. Most of the victims did not have air conditioning. The combination of the warm temperatures and high humidity caused the heat index to rise to over 100 degrees. To help keep cool, here are some tips to keep safe during 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.

People at higher risk of a heat-related illness include:

Older adults and Infants and young children

People with chronic heart or lung problems

People with disabilities

Overweight persons

Those who work outdoors or in hot settings

Users of some medications, especially those taken for mental disorders, movement disorder, allergies, depression, and heart or circulatory problems

People who are isolated that don’t know when or how to cool off – or when to call for help

Pets and livestock can also suffer from the heat. Make sure all pets and livestock have access to cool, clean water and shade. Try to provide shade for all animals pastured outside. Consider adding shade cloth or tarps to an area to provide shade or open pastures to areas where trees or buildings provide shade. Limit exercising your pet to early morning or late evening hours when it is cooler. Some of the signs of heatstroke in pets include heavy panting, glazed eyes, and excessive thirst. Seek veterinary assistance immediately.

The heat can cause roads to buckle. Also, expect heavy traffic on Wisconsin roads and highways with the upcoming holiday. Check your routes ahead of time for road construction and other possible delays. Call 511 or go to www.511wi.gov for the latest road conditions across Wisconsin.

For lifesaving tips and other information, visit the ReadyWisconsin website at: http://readywisconsin.wi.gov or contact your county emergency management office, the National Weather Service or your local public health department.

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