Andersen Library is one of Walworth County’s cooling centers,* and in partnership with the county Division of Public Health, has free box fans to distribute to individuals who do not have other means to remain cool. Fans are available from the Circulation Desk during regular Library hours while supplies last, limit one per household. Call (262) 472-5511 to assure that a fan is available.
* The University Center on campus will be open to members of the UWW and community until 9 p.m. on Thursday July 21 and Friday July 22 for keeping cool also. https://announcements.uww.edu/Announcement/Details/12792
The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for later this week. Be prepared, and don’t underestimate the risk of heat-related injury associated with high temperatures and humidity!
Find a place or means of cooling down if you experience dizziness, headache, muscle cramps, weakness, nausea or vomiting.
Call 9-1-1 for these symptoms: hot, dry skin; confusion; unconsciousness; chest pains; shortness of breath.
For more information, see “Heat Related Health and Safety Tips” from the Wisconsin Dept. of Health Services, which gives these tips:
In Wisconsin, generally when temperatures approach or go above 90° F, the following actions are recommended:
- Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. If such activity is unavoidable, drink plenty of fluids and take frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas. Consider monitoring body weight and oral temperature. A weight loss of more than 2 lbs. or an oral temperature above 99° F is cause for concern.
- Do not leave anyone – children, disabled individuals, pets – in cars for even brief periods. Temperatures can rise to life-threatening levels in a matter of minutes.
- Make frequent checks on the status of elderly or ill relatives or neighbors. If necessary, move them to an air-conditioned environment during the hottest part of the day.
- To avoid dehydration, a conscious effort should be made to drink more fluids during hot weather. Rapid weight loss may be a sign of dehydration. Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol, or large amounts of sugar–these actually cause you to lose more body fluid.
- Use fans to increase ventilation. If the temperatures exceed 90° F, instead of having a fan blow hot air in from a window, have the fan blow the hot air to the outside. At extreme high temperatures, a fan loses its ability to effectively reduce heat-related illness.
- Cool showers, baths, and sponge baths can be used to reduce body temperatures. In addition, wet clothing has a cooling effect.
Andersen Library is a federal and Wisconsin depository library with federal and state government documents on a variety of current and relevant issues available to you in various formats (print, DVD/CD-ROM, online). Check out your government at Andersen Library!
