In connection with the National Weather Service Heat advisory for Thursday afternoon, the Kenosha County Division of Health is advising everyone to check on relatives and neighbors who may be at risk of heat exhaustion and to take the following precautions:
- Slow down and avoid exertion.
- Drink plenty of water and non-alcohol, non-caffeine beverages.
- Wear loose, light-colored clothing.
- Take a cool shower or bath. Water cools the body 25 times faster than cool air.
- Visit an air-conditioned facility such as a mall, theater or restaurant.
All area hospital — Kenosha Hospital, St. Catherine’s Hospital, Aurora Hospital and Burlington Memorial Hospital — are activated as cooling centers 24 hours/day. Persons needing to cool off can check in at the hospital lobby and be directed to the cooling center area.
During normal business hours, Randall Town Hall, Somers Town Hall, Twin Lakes Village Hall, and the Kenosha County Center are also available as cooling centers.
If you need transportation to a cooling center, shelter or assistance please call the Adult Crisis number at (262) 657-7188 or the Aging & Disability Resource Center at (262) 605- 6646.
For health questions about the heat, call your health provider or Kenosha County Division of Health at (262) 605-6700 or (800) 472-8008.
People prone to heat exhaustion are older adults and those with heart conditions or high blood pressure. Warning signs of heat exhaustion are heavy sweating, muscle cramps, weakness, dizziness, headache, nausea, and fainting. The skin may be cool and moist. Seek medical attention immediately. Help the person to cool off with water and get medical attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than one hour. If left untreated, the condition may rapidly progress to a more serious condition of heat stroke which can be life threatening.
