Stay Cool and Stay Healthy
Precautions During Heat Wave
A JOINT RELEASE FROM THE DANE COUNTY DEPARMENT OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT KATHY M. KRUSIEC, Director (608) 267-1591 & THE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH - MADISON AND DANE COUNTY Thomas L. Schlenker, MD, MPH, Director HOT Weather 7/29-30/06 Reference #072806-1 Madison, WI, July 31, 2007 -- The Department of Public Health for Madison and Dane County, in cooperation with The Dane County Department of Emergency Management would like to encourage all media outlets to constantly remind citizens of the precautions they can take to protect themselves and their neighbors in times of extreme heat and humidity. This weekend, the National Weather Service is predicting high temperatures in the upper 90's with high humidity levels. People need to be aware of what preventive measures they can take to avoid heat related illnesses. The best safety precaution is STAYING AWARE! • Monitoring your food and water intake and physical output can greatly reduce potential heat related illness. • HYDRATE. Water is best. Drinks with caffeine, sugar and alcohol take longer for your body to absorb and therefore do not hydrate as well as drinks without these substances. • Avoid heavy, fatty meals and snacks. • You should be aware of the amount and intensity of your physical activity, both INDOORS and out. • You should wear light colored, breathable clothing, hats and SUNSCREEN!!! • "If you are thirsty, your pet is thirsty." • You should check on your loved ones and neighbors, especially those in fragile health, either face-to-face or via telephone. • Do not leave anyone, including pets alone in vehicles. Temperatures in vehicles can rise very rapidly to life-threatening levels. • Keep living spaces cool. When temperatures are 95°F +, use fans to blow hot air out of the space rather than bring hot air in. • Infants and small children are more susceptible to heat related illness than adolescents and adults. IF YOU NEED NON-EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE, call The United Way's 2-1-1 call center. Dial 2-1-1 from any landline in Dane County. From a cell phone dial 608 / 246-4357 (HELP) This is an excellent resource for heat related information and a collection point for non-emergency requests for assistance. Should you have any questions regarding the heat situation in Dane County this weekend, please contact J. McLellan, Public Information Officer for Dane County Department of Emergency Management at 608 / 219-9552. Throughout the week, he may be reached at 608 / 267-2542. -END-
