Residents reminded to stay cool, hydrated, and informed during extreme heat
Summer is officially here and with that comes high temperatures and humidity. This combination is not only uncomfortable, but it can also be dangerous to our health. Lincoln County Health Department is reminding residents to take steps to stay cool while enjoying the outdoors this summer.
“Lincoln County has a higher rate of emergency room visits due to heat stress than Wisconsin as a whole,” states Barni Shiferaw, Public Health Intern for Lincoln County Health Department. “Lincoln County’s rate of emergency visits is 18.1 per 100,000, and Wisconsin’s rate is 12.6 per 100,000.” Although this rate has decreased over the last few years, more work is needed to educate and protect our residents.
Lincoln County is fortunate to have designated cooling centers available during summer months. The following businesses and organizations are committed to the health and safety of residents and invite the public to their air conditioned buildings during business hours: Les and Jim’s Lincoln Lanes, Riverside Athletic Club, Smith Multi-Purpose Center (MARC), T.B. Scott Library, Merrill Enrichment Center, Ascension Sacred Heart Hospital, Tomahawk City Hall, Tomahawk Public Library, Tomahawk Senior Center, Strikers Tomahawk Bowl and Gleason Bowling Alley. Signage will be displayed at each location.
Follow these tips to stay safe during extreme heat:
• Stay in air conditioning. When possible, stay in air conditioning on hot days. If you don’t have air conditioning head to a public cooling center in Lincoln County.
• Check on loved ones. Be sure to check on older friends and neighbors who live alone and don’t have air conditioning.
• Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you have to be outside, stick to the cooler morning and evening hours. Wear light, loose clothing and take frequent, air conditioned breaks.
• Beware of hot cars. Never leave a person or a pet in a parked car, even for a short time. On an 80 degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water on hot days. Avoid alcohol and hot, heavy meals.
• Stay informed. Watch your local weather forecasts so you can plan outdoor activities safely. Pay attention to any extreme heat alerts.
If you start feeling overheated, weak, dizzy, nauseated, or have muscle cramps, you could be experiencing heat illness. Move to air conditioning, drink water, get under a fan, and put on cool washcloths. If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve, go to the emergency room or call 911.
For more information, please visit http://lincolncountyhealthdepartment.com or find us on Facebook. Lincoln County Health Department is always working for a safer and healthier Lincoln County.