(STATEWIDE) State officials are urging people across Wisconsin to prepare now for dangerous summer heat as Gov. Tony Evers declares June 3 Heat Awareness Day.
Wisconsin Emergency Management and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services say extreme heat can quickly become dangerous, especially for older adults, young children, people without air conditioning, outdoor workers and people experiencing homelessness.
Preliminary state data shows 10 people in Wisconsin died from heat-related causes last year. The state also recorded more than 1,000 heat-related emergency room visits between May and September.
“Extreme heat is something people should prepare for before hotter temperatures arrive,” Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle said in a statement.
Health officials say simple steps can help people stay safe during heat waves, including drinking plenty of water, staying in air-conditioned buildings and checking on neighbors and loved ones during long stretches of high temperatures.
Officials are also reminding people never to leave children or pets inside parked vehicles. On an 80-degree day, temperatures inside a car parked in direct sunlight can rise nearly 20 degrees within 10 minutes.
The state is also encouraging people to learn the warning signs of heat-related illness, including confusion, rapid breathing, nausea and body temperatures above 104 degrees.
People looking for cooling centers or air-conditioned spaces can call 2-1-1 for assistance.
The National Weather Service issues heat advisories, watches and warnings based on forecast conditions. Officials say people should pay close attention to those alerts throughout the summer.
