With punishing heat on the way, the Milwaukee Health Department issues a heat health warning

Claire Reid, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Updated ·3 min read
1
As the sun beats down, Windell Gabrillo, of Milwaukee, working for a courier service, walks along North Water Street at East Wisconsin Avenue en route to deliver a package in Milwaukee on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. A study released shows 40 percent of Milwaukee is in an urban heat island where it's 8 degrees warmer than the rest of the city.
As the sun beats down, Windell Gabrillo, of Milwaukee, working for a courier service, walks along North Water Street at East Wisconsin Avenue en route to deliver a package in Milwaukee on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. A study released shows 40 percent of Milwaukee is in an urban heat island where it's 8 degrees warmer than the rest of the city.

With this week's heat wave beginning today in some parts of the state, the City of Milwaukee Health Department and Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management issued a Heat Health Warning for the city Tuesday morning.

The warning was issued in response to the National Weather Service Excessive Heat Health Warning, which is in effect from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23. The NWS forecast currently predicts heat indices of up to 105-110 degrees in the area affected by the warning. An excessive heat watch will be in effect through Thursday.

More: MPS closes schools Wednesday due to heat

According to a news release from the health department, the department will be "enhancing surveillance for heat-related illness in the coming days and working with Milwaukee Metropolitan Extreme Weather Task Force partners to address vulnerable population needs during this period."

Those in need of emergency services should call Impact 211 for assistance, the release said.

Where are Milwaukee's cooling sites?

The health department maintains an updated online map of public, air-conditioned spaces and cooling sites, including splash pads, pools and beaches.

All Milwaukee Public Libraries and Milwaukee County senior centers offer public, air-conditioned spaces during operating hours.

The health department website also includes a list of cooling sites in the Greater Milwaukee Area and suburbs, including malls, churches, community centers and more.

Henry Olivarez, with KEI Landscaping, out of Milwaukee, waters flower beds along East Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. A study released shows 40 percent of Milwaukee is in an urban heat island where it's 8 degrees warmer than the rest of the city.
Henry Olivarez, with KEI Landscaping, out of Milwaukee, waters flower beds along East Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee on Tuesday, July 25, 2023. A study released shows 40 percent of Milwaukee is in an urban heat island where it's 8 degrees warmer than the rest of the city.

How do I stay safe in the heat?

To prevent heat-related illness or death, the health department advises citizens 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.

Stay informed

  • Check local news and weather reports for extreme heat alerts and safety tips.

  • Be aware of symptoms of heat-related illness.

    • 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).

More: Wisconsin is in the middle of a heat dome this week. What does that mean?

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee Health Department issues Heat Health Warning amid heat wave