The Lincoln County Health Department urges residents to protect themselves from heat-related illness.
“We ask everyone to take precautions to avoid heat exhaustion, and to check on their family, friends and neighbors who may be especially vulnerable to extreme heat,” said Shelley Hersil, Director, Lincoln County Health Department “Infants, young children, older adults and people with chronic disease have a tougher time regulating their body temperature. Please help them stay cool and hydrated.”
Problems associated with a heat wave include:
Heat cramps- includes muscular pains and spasms resulting from heavy exertion. These symptoms are often the first signal that the body is suffering from excessive heat.
Heat exhaustion- includes fainting, rash, fatigue, and nausea. Skin may become clammy and moist.
Heat/sun stroke- symptoms include: hot, dry skin, the absence of sweat, nausea, confusion, and unconsciousness. This is a life-threatening condition. Call 9-1-1 immediately.
Seek air-conditioning. If your home does not have air-conditioning, seek areas that do – such as libraries, shopping malls, community/senior centers, grocery stores, movie theatres-during the warmest period of the day. If you must stay in a home without air-conditioning, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine.
Public Cooling Centers for Lincoln County are at the following sites:
TB Scott Library
106 W. First Street, Merrill
Tomahawk Public Library
300 W Lincoln Ave, Tomahawk
Tomahawk Senior Center
113 S. Tomahawk Ave.
Tomahawk City Hall
23 N. Second St.
Riverside Athletic Club
500 South Center Ave, Merrill
•Avoid strenuous activities
This is particularly true during the hottest time of the day. Individuals who perform strenuous work during the heat of the day are especially at risk.
•Wear light-weight, light-colored clothing
Light colors reflect the sun’s rays better than dark colors, which absorb the heat. Protect the face and head with a wide-brimmed hat.
•Check on family members, neighbors and friends who are vulnerable. Move them to air conditioned places if possible.
•Drink plenty of fluids: Increase fluid intake even if you are not thirsty. Avoid beverages containing alcohol, high amounts of sugar and caffeine.
•Never leave pets or people, especially children and infants, unattended in cars during a heat wave
If heat risks do occur, cool the body as soon as possible, and call 9-1-1 for symptoms of heat stroke.
For more information, please contact Shelley Hersil at Lincoln County Health Department – 715-536-0307 or Lance Powers, Lincoln County Emergency Management Director – 715-536-6228. You can also get more information at the following websites at http://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/health/injuryprevention/WeatherRelated/Heat.htm or http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/.