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Hebron House open for those looking to cool off in Waukesha
Hebron House open for those looking to cool off in Waukesha
WAUKESHA -- The National Weather Service has downgraded the excessive heat WARNING to a heat ADVISORY -- which is now in effect until 7:00 p.m. on Friday, July 22nd. The counties affected include Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson, Racine, Kenosha and Walworth.
The heat and humidity is not just uncomfortable. It can be dangerous. It can sneak up on a person, and officials are working to prevent heat-related illnesses.
Pat Sprung
Pat Sprung
"Everybody is like, 'well, you got your air on in your car,' but sometimes it doesn't even pay to have it on," Pat Sprung said.
Sprung spent the day Thursday, July 21st delivering meals with the Meals on Wheels program.
"We`re not just delivering meals. We might be the only people they see all day long," Sprung said.
Part of her responsibility included checking on her clients.
"If they`re dazed and confused a little bit or they're sweating profusely or if they're just not themselves," Sprung said.
The best way to beat the heat is to escape it -- and there are plenty of options.
Hebron House
The Hebron House and Jeremy Safe Haven shelters in Waukesha are serving as cooling zones Thursday, July 21st through Sunday.
Kris Androsky
"Dehydration is a really a big concern for us -- so we want to make sure people are staying hydrated and cooling down so we don`t have anybody who is having heat stroke or something worse," Kris Androsky with the Hebron House said. "People will be out in the community and on a day like this and all of a sudden, the heat stroke will set in or a sense of dehydration. All of a sudden it becomes critical."
People are invited to stop by and cool off in the air conditioning -- and officials are offering water, Gatorade and popsicles.
The Hebron House will be open 24 hours this weekend for those who need to cool off. It is normally a shelter for women and children -- but no one will be turned away.
Hebron House
"People assume the winter is a dangerous time and it is -- but in the summer, the heat can really creep up on you without you knowing," Androsky said.
Hebron House was at capacity for the night Thursday, but officials said they would help make sure anyone in need of a cool, safe place to sleep would get that.
Hebron House
Below is advice and resources from officials in Waukesha County as the heat takes hold:
WAUKESHA COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND LAND USE
Waukesha County Executive Paul Farrow is reminding residents of the resources available during the Excessive Heat Warning in effect from noon Thursday through 7:00 pm Friday.
“Excessive heat is the most frequent weather-related danger in southeast Wisconsin,” said Farrow. “For this reason, Waukesha County has safeguards in place to ensure that even our most vulnerable residents can stay safe and healthy.”
HEBRON HOUSE, WAUKESHA
The Hebron House and Jeremy Safe Haven shelters in Waukesha will serve as cooling zones this weekend.
Below is a statement from Hebron House officials: