- Preventing Heat-Related Illness
- Summertime Information for more details on heat illness and interventions
- Summer in Wisconsin (Disaster Health & Safety Tips - Division of Public Health)
- Heat Wave: A Major Summer Killer in Wisconsin
HEAT IS THE #1 KILLER
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report more than 300 deaths due to heat every year. The number of deaths from heat is approximately equal to that from flooding, lightning, tornadoes and hurricanes combined.
In 2001, there were 9 heat-related deaths in Milwaukee County.
PEOPLE AT GREATEST RISK DURING EXTREME HEAT EVENTS
- Older adults
- people on certain medications including psychotropic drugs
- isolated individuals who live alone and seldom leave their home
- infants and young children
- persons with chronic heart or lung problems
- overweight people
- persons with disabilities
- people who work outside
SYMPTOMS OF HEAT-RELATED ILLNESS AND WHAT TO DO
Heat Cramps - cramps or muscle spasms in the abdomen, arms or legs. Solution: Stop activity, cool down, drink clear juice or sports drink.
Heat Exhaustion - heavy sweating, paleness, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, fainting. Solution: Cool down, seek medical attention if person has heart problems or high blood pressure.
Heat Stroke - extremely high body temperature, red, hot, dry skin, rapid pulse, throbbing headache, dizziness, nausea, confusion, unconsciousness. Solution: Call 911 and cool the victim with shower or hose until help arrives.
HOW TO STAY COOL
If possible, spend time in an air-conditioned environment. If not, basements are often several degrees cooler; cover windows to prevent direct sunlight from entering; use fans to blow hot air outside if over 95 degrees.