Southeast WI extreme heat; Milwaukee Health Department issues alert

MILWAUKEE - With it being hot and humid, the Milwaukee Health Department says everyone should limit physical activity and stay hydrated. 

If you need a place to stay cool, Milwaukee public libraries and county senior centers offer a place to beat the heat – if you cannot find ways to do it on your own. 

Hot it is and hot it will be. Southeast Wisconsin was upgraded to an excessive heat warning on Tuesday, Aug. 27 – with heat index values up to 108°F. On top of that, it is extremely humid. 

"During this extreme heat we’re having today and tomorrow, it’s really important to check on our neighbors and loved ones who might be more susceptible to the heat," said Mike Totaraitis, Milwaukee Health Commissioner.

What you should be doing, not doing

Health Department officials say to stay out of direct sunlight for extended periods of time. Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothes. Stay hydrated with water. Check on those who might be impacted by heat more than others.

"Those dealing with high blood pressure, heart disease, those who might not be able to deduce what’s going on with the weather, checking with them, making sure they’re safe," Totaraitis said. 

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When the temperatures rise, so do the calls for help. 

"We’re looking for that 104 degree temperature, that would indicate heat stroke," said David Mikec, Bell Ambulance Paramedic Supervisor.

And worse if you have stopped sweating. 

Bell paramedics are armed with cold packs ready to stick in people's armpits, neck and groin. If need be, they would use chilled saline. Bell Ambulance says it is always best to err on the side of caution. 

"We can’t guarantee they’re going to be able to stay out of that warm environment. But we can guarantee, if we can take them to a cool place, for them to get more definitive treatment," Mikec said. 

Enhanced surveillance

A news release says MHD will enhance surveillance for heat-related illness – and work with Milwaukee Metropolitan Extreme Weather Task Force partners to address vulnerable population needs. 

Those looking for a place to cool down can visit Milwaukee.gov/CoolingSites for an updated list. Those in need of non-emergency services should call Impact 211 for assistance.

Milwaukee County Parks have the following pool options available:

• Cool Waters in Greenfield Park in West Allis: Hours of Operation 
• Schulz Aquatic Park in Lincoln Park in Milwaukee: Hours of Operation 
• Pulaski Indoor Pool in Milwaukee: Hours of Operation
• Noyes Indoor Pool in Milwaukee: Hours of Operation

The Washington Park Splash Pad is staffed by the Urban Ecology Center and per their website, should be open on Tuesday from 12 p.m. -6:30 p.m. 

The end of the Milwaukee County Park splash pad and wading pool season was Aug. 18. They will reopen next year.

Tips to avoid illness

The release goes on to say that MHD advises communities to take the following precautions recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Stay Cool

• Slow down. Limit physical activity, and try to spend part of your day in air-conditioned spaces such as shopping malls, movie theaters, or libraries.
• Never leave children or pets in a parked car. Temperatures can become life-threatening within minutes.
• Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
• Take cool baths or showers and use wet towels on your skin to help you cool down.
• Do not rely on fans as a primary cooling device.
• Check in on those most at risk twice a day.

Stay Hydrated

• Drink plenty of water throughout the day, regardless of thirst.
• Avoid consuming caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as these can increase heat effects.
• Remind others to drink enough water.

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Stay Informed

• Check local news and weather reports for extreme heat alerts and safety tips.
• Be aware of symptoms of heat-related illnessHeat exhaustion symptoms include: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or faintingHeat stroke symptoms include: extremely high body temperature, hot and dry skin (no sweating), rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or unconsciousness
• Heat exhaustion symptoms include: heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or fainting
• Heat stroke symptoms include: extremely high body temperature, hot and dry skin (no sweating), rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, or unconsciousness
• Check on relatives, friends, or neighbors, especially those most susceptible to heat-related illness, which includes the very young, the elderly, and those on certain medications (especially certain medications related to blood pressure, heart disease, and mental health).

Additional guidance on hot weather safety can be found at Milwaukee.gov/HotWeatherSafety.