MILWAUKEE -- 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, June 22nd. The counties affected include Milwaukee, Waukesha, Jefferson, Racine, Kenosha and Walworth.
Below is advice and resources, including places where you can beat the heat:
MILWAUKEE HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Milwaukee Health Department officials suggest the following:
Stay Cool
Stay Hydrated
Stay Informed
The MHD will be enhancing surveillance for heat-related illness in the coming days, and working with Milwaukee Heat Task Force partners to address vulnerable population needs during this period.
Additional heat safety tips and information are available at milwaukee.gov/hotweathersafety.
MILWAUKEE DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
Officials with the Milwaukee Department of Public Works are reminding people NOT to open fire hydrants:
COOL SPOTS AND WADING POOLS IN MILWAUKEE COUNTY
Cool Spots provide a place for kids and teens ages six to 17 to cool off in a water spray on hot summer days.
Sprinklers are connected to fire hydrants provided by the Milwaukee Water Works at several Milwaukee Public
Schools playgrounds.
Cool Spots are open weekdays when the temperature is predicted to be 85 degrees or hotter, or when the City of Milwaukee issues a heat advisory.
For Thursday, July 21 and Friday, July 22: Cool Spots will be open 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. – two hours longer than the usual 5:00 p.m. closing time.
2016 Cool Spots
MPS Recreation Wading Pools are another great way to stay cool on those hot summer days! Wading pools
are open Monday-Friday (and Saturday at Enderis) from June 20 through August 12:
2016 MPS Wading Pools
Cool off in a Milwaukee County community center pool.
For information, call the 24-hour Pool and Beach Hotline, (414) 257-7230, or visit www.county.milwaukee.gov/Pools9145.htm.
Play in the water at the David F. Schulz Aquatic Center in Lincoln Park, 1301 W. Hampton Ave. or at the
Hoyt Park & Pool, 1850 N. Swan Blvd.
Cool off at a Lake Michigan beach. Visit a library or museum. Watch penguins splashing or share the heat
with a bear at the Milwaukee County Zoo.
Turn on a hose and sprinkler in your yard and invite your neighbors to cool off.
Here is a guide to MPS summer activities http://www.milwaukeerecreation.net/activity-guide/FullGuide.pdf
MILWAUKEE PUBLIC LIBRARIES
Give a tree a drink in Milwaukee!
WISCONSIN DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH SERVICES
Below is a statement from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services:
RACINE COUNTY EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Below is a statement from Racine County Emergency Management:
FESTA ITALIANA
Festa Italiana takes place from July 22nd through the 24th at Maier Festival Park.
Festa officials say water stations will be located throughout the grounds where people can obtain free water, and there will be misting stations, along with lots of shade along the lakefront and throughout the grounds.
A splash pad will be available for kids and adults.
There will be several covered stages and tents on the grounds for people to take cover from the sun -- and there will be lots of water on hand for the Vince Lombardi run on Saturday morning.
FEMA
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials are encouraging people across the nation to take precautions against the extreme heat:
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 on Thursday and Friday.
Below is a statement from Hebron House officials:
WALWORTH COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
The Walworth County Division of Public Health urges residents to protect themselves from heat-related illness. The National Weather Service forecasts heat index to be in the 93oF-110o F until 7:00 PM Friday. Most heat-related illnesses involve the elderly or individuals who have chronic illnesses, but also at risk are children, athletes, and outdoor workers.