(BEAVER DAM) There are several places for Dodge County residents to beat the heat. Cooling shelters are available in Beaver Dam, Columbus, Juneau, Watertown, and Waupun. The include local libraries and the Dodge County Human Services and Health Department building.
The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Watch for the area from 10am Wednesday until Thursday evening. Temperatures could reach triple digits.
Dodge County health officials say the most common heat-related medical problems are heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Symptoms can include fainting, rash, fatigue, and nausea.
Officials are also providing a few safety tips to protect yourself against the hot weather:
- Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car
- Ensure adequate fluid intake in infants and small children
- Make sure your pet has plenty of fresh water in a shady place and a shady area to rest in
- Drink plenty of cool fluids, especially water (not cold as this can cause stomach cramps, not drinks with alcohol or caffeine as they will increase fluid loss)
- Increase your electrolyte (i.e. sodium, chloride, and potassium) consumption if you are working in the heat – the act of sweating results in a loss of electrolytes that are necessary for our body to function
