With the official start of summer just weeks away, Governor Tony Evers is declaring June 3rd as Heat Awareness Day in Wisconsin.
State officials say now is the time for residents to prepare for dangerous summer temperatures before heat waves arrive.
According to preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, there were 10 heat-related deaths in Wisconsin last year, along with more than one-thousand heat-related emergency room visits between May and September.
Wisconsin Emergency Management says people should make plans now by checking on loved ones, locating cooling centers, and learning the warning signs of heat illness.
Health officials recommend staying inside air-conditioned buildings during the hottest parts of the day, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol and sugary or caffeinated drinks.
Residents are also reminded never to leave children or pets unattended inside parked vehicles. Officials say temperatures inside a car can rise nearly 20 degrees in just 10 minutes on an 80-degree day.
People without air conditioning are encouraged to take cool showers, use cold compresses, or visit cooling centers. Residents can call 2-1-1 to find nearby cooling locations.
Officials also urge people to check on elderly neighbors, young children, outdoor workers, and others who may be especially vulnerable during extreme heat.
The National Weather Service issues heat advisories, watches, and extreme heat warnings when dangerous conditions develop during the summer months.
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