Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day

By Bill Curtis, Vice-President

Summer has officially arrived and so have the warm temperatures. We can all agree that the summer weather is a welcome change from winter. But with the warm temperatures come hazards we need to be aware of.

The warm temperatures we all enjoy can be dangerous to some of our family and friends, including our pets. Each year, hundreds of people die from extreme heat events in the United States. For that reason, Governor Walker has declared June 9 to be Wisconsin Heat Awareness Day.

You and your family can enjoy the warm weather by keeping the following safety tips in mind:

• Stay Cool: Stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible and avoid direct sunlight
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink
• Stay Informed: Watch your local weather forecasts so you can plan activities safely when it’s hot outside. Watch for any extreme heat alerts.
  

Remember that not all people deal well with heat. Be sure to check in on the following populations often during hot days:

• Infants and young children
• People 65 years of age and older
• People who are overweight
• People with chronic medical conditions

Be a good neighbor and check in on your family and friends. Reach out to your neighbors, especially the elderly who do not have air conditioning. Together we can make sure everyone enjoys our beautiful Wisconsin summer and stays safe.

For more information, visit http://readywisconsin.wi.gov/heat/default.asp