It could reach 100 degrees Wednesday. Here’s how you can stay safe and beat the heat. | Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service
PrincessSafiya Byers
August 22, 2023
The City of Milwaukee Health Department and Milwaukee County’s Office of Emergency Management have issued a heat health warning – in effect from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 23.
The forecast high for Milwaukee on Wednesday is 100 degrees, according to our news partner TMJ4 News. That would break the daily high-temperature record of 98 degrees that was last set in 1947, the station reports.
Here are some ways to stay safe and cool.
Milwaukee County Parks has pools open during regular business hours throughout the summer. 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.
Do you have feedback on Milwaukee NNS's reporting? Take our survey to let us know how we're doing!
1. Use your phone
Call Impact 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
You can also look at the city health department’s list of designated cooling centers.
All Milwaukee Public Librarylocations 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 and its hours.
Many local organizations and governmental buildings welcome visitors to air-conditioned common areas and community spaces to stay cool.
Wisconsin law prevents a utility from disconnecting electrical service when a heat advisory, heat warning, or heat emergency issued by the National Weather Service is in effect, according to a news release issued by the Public Service Commission.
The utility also is required to make reasonable attempts to reconnect service that has been disconnected for nonpayment if a resident says there is a potential threat to health or life because of the heat and loss of service.
After the heat advisory, heat warning or heat emergency, expires, the utility can once again disconnect service without notice if payment arrangements have not been made, according to the Public Service Commission.
If you have questions about disconnections, contact the Public Service Commission Consumer Affairs Bureau at 1-800-225-7729.
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 point 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.
Check with the City of Milwaukee Health Department for more cooling locations and to monitor when it is safe to be outside.