Older adults do not adjust as well as young people to sudden changes in temperature, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Photo by Adam Carr)

As summer temperatures begin to rise, the Milwaukee County Department on Aging offers tips for what older adults need to know about safety in the heat.

Extreme hear is especially dangerous for older adults, since they are prone to complications from other health conditions; may take medications that increase the risk of heat stroke; and have lost the ability to adapt to heat. From 2011-2015 Wisconsin had 48 confirmed heat-related fatalities and more than 70 percent of these were among seniors.

The Milwaukee County Department on Aging is a member of the Milwaukee Heat Task Force, which coordinates agencies throughout the community and develops strategies to protect citizens during times of extreme heat.

The City of Milwaukee maintains a list of available cooling sites in the area. These include libraries, senior centers, and other community sites.

• Warning Signs of Heat Stroke
  • Hot, dry skin (no sweating)
  • Throbbing headache
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea
  • Rapid pulse
  • Body Temperature above 103 degrees

• Tips to Prevent Heat Stroke
  • Rest
  • Take a cool shower, bath or sponge bath
  • Wear lightweight clothing
  • Remain indoors
  • Turn on your air conditioning or a fan
  • Drink lots of water
  • If necessary go to one of the designated cooling sites in our community

• Check on your neighbors.
  • Please take time to check up on those folks who may be at risk during extreme heat.

• Aging Resource Center

(414) 289-6874

Older adults should know that there is an Aging Resource Center they can call for help and information about resources during hot weather. (After-hours calls are directed to Impact 211, which can also assist.)