It’s about to get hot again. And summer is just getting started.
With warmer weather and air quality becoming a worry, here are some ways to stay safe and cool this summer.
Cooling centers
1. Use your phone
Call Impact 211, which can connect you to the overnight shelters and cooling centers closest to you. You can also text your ZIP code to TXT-211.
2. Go online
You can also look at the Milwaukee Health Department’s list of designated cooling centers.
Many senior centers and some social service agencies serve as bad weather shelters in extreme heat. Here are a few.
1335 W. Vliet St.
414-342-9323
Washington Park Senior Center
4420 W. Vliet St.
414-933-2332
Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Wilson Park Senior Center
2601 W. Howard Ave.
414-282-5566
Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Clinton Rose Senior Center
3045 N. Martin Luther King Drive
414-263-2255
Open 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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 for information on 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.
Here are places in Milwaukee where you can stay cool and be active in the water this summer.
What you should know about utility shutoffs
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 from the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin.
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 PSC.
If you have questions about disconnections, contact PSC Consumer Affairs at 800-225-7729.
Air quality and heat tips
Anyone with pre-existing heart or lung conditions, children, older adults, pregnant individuals and those who work or exercise outdoors should be aware of the air quality.
Check in with AirNow to monitor air quality.
Follow these tips from the Milwaukee 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 – 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 Health Department for more cooling locations and to monitor when it is safe to be outside.
Jonathan Aguilar is a visual journalist at Milwaukee Neighborhood News Service who is supported through a partnership between CatchLight Local and Report for America.
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