Heat and Exhaustion
Summer heat in Wisconsin can be dangerous, especially when the heat index makes the heat intense and most dangerous.
Be Weather Alert
Extreme heat is often accompanied with sudden and severe storms in Wisconsin. Besides being aware of the actual temperature and heat index, you don't want to miss a storm watch or warning. A NOAA weather radio can be useful or sign up for county emergency alert systems like Nixle.
Public Cooling Centers
Public cooling centers are often opened when the heat rises, power failures have occurred and/or storm or flooding damage have occurred. Cooling centers are primarily used during the day and intense heat, which are not the same as shelters, however, locations and service providers may be the same.
Conserving energy during intense heat
Often times during extended periods of intense heat the daytime draw of electricity exceeds the power storage and generation capacity causing brownouts or full power outages.
Do your part to limit electrical energy consumption by shutting off lights, increasing the internal temperature so that AC doesn't have to work quite as hard and long, or putting off energy-consuming tasks like laundry or car-charging until evening and off-peak hours.
Take a rest - Siesta
In the summer heat - take a siesta! In Latin America, siestas are common during the intense heat of the afternoon sun. This tradition is rooted in the ancient wisdom of self-care and safety. Around 2PM to 4PM many Latin-Americans head home or at least break from work to refresh. Maybe a short nap or just a restful sit with refreshments, gets a body out of the heat and restored to finish the day safely.
Adapt - Adjust
If you work outside, you are used to adapting your schedule to the weather - the heat is no different. Adjust your work schedule to match the HOT weather. Perhaps you can work early morning hours and late afternoon or evening hours when the sun is less forceful with its heat. Drink water and other electrolytes to stay hydrated. Protect your skin from the sun so that you don't have sunburn to go with heat exhaustion. Monitor your ability to sweat. If you stop sweating, you are in DANGER.