Kids enjoy the splash pad at Moody Park. (Photo by Sue Vliet)
It’s about to get hot. Extremely hot.
The National Weather Service has issued a heat advisory that covers the Milwaukee area.
The heat index, which measures what the temperature feels like when combined with humidity, could reach as high as 110 in some parts of the region
“Summer heat is finally here,” said Jeanette Kowalik, health commissioner, in a news release from the Milwaukee Health Department. “With this is mind, we must be vigilant about protecting ourselves, our loved ones, neighbors, and pets from the dangers of extreme heat … Prevention is the key to surviving the heat.”
Here are some ways you can stay cool:
Splash pads and wading pools
Milwaukee County Parks plans to keep pools open during regular business hours during the predicted weekend heatwave. Look for one of the eight free splash pads close to your neighborhood, or call the pools hotline at (414) 257-8098 for more information.
How to find an extreme heat cooling center
1. Use your phone
Call Impact at 2-1-1, which can connect you to the overnight shelters and centers closest to you. You can also text your ZIP code to TXT-211.
2. Go online
Use the 2-1-1 Wisconsin website to find the food pantry in your neighborhood. You can also look at the city health department’s list of designated cooling centers.
Cooling center locations
1. Many senior centers serve as a bad weather shelters in extreme heat. Two cooling sites are the Washington Park Senior Center, 4420 W Vliet St., or Arlington Court, 1633 N. Arlington Place.
The county’s Department on Aging is a member of the Milwaukee Heat Task Force, a group of organizations that develop strategies to protect the health and safety of residents in the event of extreme heat. Call the Aging Resource Center at (414) 289-6874 for information on other locations and resources during hot weather.
2. All Milwaukee Public Library locations allow individuals to cool down in the air-conditioning during regular business hours. Call (414) 286-3000 to speak with a librarian regarding a specific branch.
3. Many local organizations and governmental buildings welcome visitors to air-conditioned common areas and community spaces to stay cool.
Follow these tips from the county health department to beat the heat.
1. Slow down and limit physical activity, especially if you are working outside or in hot settings.
2. Never leave children, persons with a disability, or pets in a parked car – as temperatures can become life threatening within minutes.
3. Use fans to increase ventilation, unless temperatures exceed 90 degrees at which fans become ineffective in reducing heat-related illness.
4. Stay Hydrated! Drink plenty of water throughout the day regardless of thirst, to avoid dehydration.
5. Check in with neighbors and family to make sure they are staying cool.
For more tips on making the most of the summer, check out our NNS Summer Survival Guide.
Bridget is an intern reporter on the Community Engagement team at the Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service and a senior double major in Journalism and Spanish at Marquette University. Her work for NNS includes writing feature news, resource guides and “How To” articles.
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