STICKS AROUND. ALL RIGHT. THANKS, MARK. THIS HEAT COULD TURN DANGEROUS AND DEADLY IF YOU DON’T TAKE PRECAUTIONS. 12 NEWS MALLORY ANDERSON SPOKE TO HEALTH OFFICIALS IN SOUTH MILWAUKEE ABOUT HOW YOU CAN BEAT THE HEAT. AND, OF COURSE, STAY SAFE. I’M HERE AT GRANT PARK BEACH IN SOUTH MILWAUKEE, WHICH I’M SURE WILL BE PACKED WITH PEOPLE OVER THE WEEKEND, ESPECIALLY IF YOU DON’T HAVE AIR CONDITIONING. BUT HONESTLY, EVEN THE BEACH, YOUR TIME HERE SHOULD BE LIMITED THIS WEEKEND. AS HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY, ANY TIME OUTDOORS SHOULD BE LIMITED WITH THE HEAT INDEX RISING TO OVER 100 DEGREES, WHICH MEANS IT WILL FEEL OVER 100 DEGREES OUTSIDE. THANKFULLY, THERE ARE A LOT OF COOLING CENTERS AND POOLS ACROSS COUNTIES, WHICH INCLUDE PLACES LIKE PUBLIC LIBRARIES, SENIOR CENTERS, AND INDOOR MALLS. A BIG TIP THIS WEEKEND STAY HYDRATED, NOT JUST WHEN YOU FEEL THIRSTY. TO BEAT DEHYDRATION, MAKE SURE YOU’RE DRINKING LOTS OF WATER OR ELECTROLYTE DRINKS. IF YOU’RE DRINKING ALCOHOL, BE ESPECIALLY CAREFUL BECAUSE IT CAN DEHYDRATE YOU FASTER. LOOSE, LIGHT COLORED CLOTHING IS BEST WHEN OUTSIDE, AND WHILE FANS MAY BRING YOU SOME RELIEF, THEY REALLY SHOULD NOT BE RELIED UPON AS YOUR PRIMARY COOLING METHOD. I TALKED TO THE PUBLIC HEALTH ADMINISTRATOR FOR SOUTH MILWAUKEE AND SAINT FRANCIS. SHE SAYS WHILE ANYONE AT ANY AGE CAN GET HEAT STROKE OR EXHAUSTION, WE SHOULD BE ESPECIALLY WORRIED ABOUT OUR ELDERLY LOVED ONES, OUR OLDER ADULTS. ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVE NEIGHBORS THAT YOU KNOW ARE LIVING ALONE. JUST CHECK IN ON THEM, MAKE SURE THAT THEY’RE DOING OKAY, THAT MAYBE THEY’RE TURNING THEIR AIR CONDITIONING ON BECAUSE SOME OLDER ADULTS DON’T TURN THEIR AIR CONDITIONING ON AND THEIR HOUSES CAN GET EXTREMELY WARM. SO DEFINITELY THE OLDER ADULTS, ANYBODY WHO HAS CHRONIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS THAT MAY BE SENSITIVE, THEIR MEDICATIONS MAY BE SENSITIVE TO THE HEAT. ANOTHER GREAT TIP FROM THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT IS TO PURCHASE A COOLING SCARF. THESE ARE THINGS THAT YOU CAN BUY RIGHT AT THE STORE THIS WEEKEND. WHAT YOU DO IS YOU DIP IT INTO COOL WATER, AND THEN YOU CAN PLACE IT ON THE BACK OF YOUR NECK TO HELP COOL YOU OFF QUICKLY. REPORTING FROM

Advertisement Southeast Wisconsin heat wave prompts health warnings, safety tips As temperatures soar in Milwaukee, health officials urge residents to take precautions against heat-related illnesses, emphasizing hydration and limited outdoor exposure. Editorial Standards ⓘ

Southeast Wisconsin residents are facing a heat wave this weekend, with temperatures expected to feel like over 100 degrees, prompting health officials to advise limiting outdoor activities and taking precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses.Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha Counties are all under extreme heat warnings, while other counties are experiencing lesser advisories, but will still be uncomfortably hot.There are numerous cooling centers available across all counties, including public libraries, senior centers, and indoor malls. To find a cooling center near you in Milwaukee County, click here.Health experts recommend staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water or electrolyte drinks, even before feeling thirsty. Alcohol consumption should be monitored closely, as it can lead to faster dehydration. Loose, light-colored clothing is advised for outdoor activities, and while fans can provide some relief, they should not be relied upon as the primary cooling method.”Because this is really the first heat event within Milwaukee County this year, we want people to be aware that our bodies aren’t used to it. And so they need to take precautions, make sure that they’re drinking plenty of fluids, staying hydrated, and taking frequent breaks in cooling centers or, going into the house that has air conditioning,” said Jackie Ove, public health administrator for the City of South Milwaukee and Saint Francis Health Department. “Our older adults, especially if you have neighbors that you know are living alone, just check in on to make sure that they’re doing OK, that maybe they’re turning their air conditioning on because, some older adults don’t turn their air conditioning on and their houses can get extremely warm. So definitely check on the older adults, as well as anybody who has chronic medical conditions that take medications that may make them more sensitive to the heat,” Ove said. Never leave young children or pets in unattended vehicles. Car interiors will reach lethal temperatures in a matter of minutes. A cooling scarf, which is available in stores, can also provide instant relief when dipped in water and worn around the neck.Many public cooling sites are located along Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) routes. For more information about how to use public transit in Milwaukee County, visit www.ridemcts.com