'We want people to be safe:' Mayor Barrett, other Milwaukee leaders issue heat health advisory
MILWAUKEE -- Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett and other city leaders held a news conference Wednesday, July 17 to ensure residents were aware of the safety measures needed during the extreme heat. This, as it was expected to only get hotter -- with a heat advisory taking effect at noon Thursday, through 11 p.m. Friday for all of southeast Wisconsin.
Anthony Brackett and crew
"About five minutes after you get out of your truck, your deodorant is in your boots!" said Anthony Brackett, owner of A. A. & P. Concrete Construction Inc. on the first day of the Waukesha County Fair Wednesday. "Extra breaks, lot of Gatorade, lot of water."
Brackett said his workers were starting early in the morning, in an effort to beat the rising temperatures.
"If somebody quits sweating, they got to go inside," said Brackett.
"We're very, very concerned about people with physical challenges. We're concerned about the elderly. We're concerned about children. This is the time of year where, tragically, we read about people leaving their children in cars. Please do not leave your children in cars unattended," said Mayor Tom Barrett.
The National Weather Service issued a heat advisory for all of southeast Wisconsin beginning at noon on Thursday, July 18 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 19.
"These can be dangerous days," said Mayor Barrett. "As happy as we are that the sun is shining and summer is here, we want to take special steps to make sure everyone is safe."
According to the National Weather Service, highs will reach the lower 90s Thursday afternoon, with heat index values of 100 to 106. Highs will reach the middle to upper 90s on Friday, with heat index values of 103 to 110.
"If you have neighbors, in particular, elderly neighbors, please be a good neighbor and check up on them," said Barrett.
Waukesha County Fair
Heat illnesses are possible with prolonged outdoor exposure to the heat. The elderly, children, and those on certain medications are especially at risk for heat illnesses.
At the Waukesha County Fair, people were focusing on staying hydrated.
"We're not necessarily beating the weather, but we're kind of enjoying it," said Jake Bernhardt.
"My oversized hat. I have two bottles of water in my purse, one for my husband, and one for me," said Rose Bernhardt.
Jake Bernhardt and Rose Bernhardt
Back in Milwaukee, officials with the City of Milwaukee Department of Public Works asked that people please put their garbage/recycling carts out ahead of time on Thursday and Friday, as pick-up was scheduled to begin one hour earlier than normal due to the heat. DPW officials suggested putting them out the night before, or by 6 a.m. the day of.
Below are a few tips from the Wisconsin Humane Society to keep your pets safe in the extreme heat.
Bell Ambulance officials said they stocked every ambulance with ice and water, and added extra crews.
CLICK HERE for information from the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection on protecting pets and livestock amid the heat.
CLICK HERE for a graph from the DATCP showing how hot it can get in your vehicle.
CLICK HERE for information on heat exhaustion, heat stroke, and heat advisories from ReadyWisconsin.
CLICK HERE for information on Milwaukee County water parks and swimming pools.
CLICK HERE for heat-related resources from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.
CLICK HERE for cooling sites in Milwaukee.
CLICK HERE for Milwaukee Public Library locations and hours.
Milwaukee Water Works Cool Spots (open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 19-Aug. 9):
Ben Franklin School: 2308 W. Nash
Carmen Playfield: 7320 W. Carmen
Franklin Square: 2643 N. 13th
Green Bay: 3818 N. 8th
Milwaukee Recreation Wading Pools (open Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.):
Burnham: 1755 S. 32nd
Enderis: 2938 N. 72nd
Holt: 1716 W. Holt
Merrill Park: 461 N. 35th
Modrzejewski: 1020 W. Cleveland
Ohio: 974 W. Holt
Salvation Army cooling centers in Milwaukee County
Citadel Corps Church and Community Center
4129 West Villard Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53209
Monday - Friday: 9 a.m to 4 p.m.
Coldspring Church and Community Center
2900 W. Coldspring Rd., Greenfield, WI 53221
Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Kenosha County cooling centers
Waukesha County cooling centers
Call 211 to locate a cooling center.
The public may use Waukesha County ice arenas as free cooling stations during business hours. The cost to skate is $6.50 for adults and $5.00 for seniors and children.
CLICK HERE to access information about Waukesha County Park System swimming beaches.
CLICK HERE for more Waukesha County heat-related resources.