County opens cooling shelters in preparation for dangerous heat
Metro Wire Staff
Based on hazardous heat conditions expected this week, Portage Co. has announced the opening of cooling centers across the area.
The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather advisory for Wednesday, calling for extreme heat of 105-110 degrees.
The following cooling centers are now open:
Amherst
Jensen Community Center, 487 North Main St., Amherst, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays. Call 715-824-5202 for extended hours.
Almond
Village of Almond Municipal Center at 122 Main Street, Almond
Hours: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call to arrange for extended hours at 715-366-8171.
Plover
Village of Plover Municipal Center, 2400 Post Rd., 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Call to arrange for extended hours, 715-345-5252.
Stevens Point
Portage County Public Library, 1001 Main St., 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Mondays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 715-346-1544 for extended hours.
Salvation Army at 1600 Briggs St., open 24 hours pending availability.
Portage Co. Health and Human Services, 817 Whiting Ave., 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Mondays and Thursdays, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Tuesdays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesdays, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Call 715-345-5350 for extended hours.
Rosholt
Rosholt Public Library, 137 North Main St., Rosholt. Hours 2-6 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesdays. Call 715-677-4510 for extended hours.
The county is also offering the following tips:
Take care of your body.
- Drink plenty of water. Make sure you drink before feeling thirsty. By the time you feel thirsty, you are already behind in fluid replacement. When working in the heat, drink one cup (8 ounces) of water every 15-20 minutes.
- Limit alcohol consumption. Drinking beer and alcoholic beverages causes further body dehydration.
- It is not recommended to take salt tablets. In most cases, salt can be replaced by eating normal meals and snacks throughout the day. Do not skip meals.
Cover windows to keep the sun from shining in.
- If you have an air conditioner, use it. If you do not have one and the temperature is above 95 °F, you should go to a community cooling center because a fan will no longer prevent heat-related illnesses at this temperature.
Pace yourself.
- Cut down on exercise during the heat. If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area or shade and rest.
- Wear sunscreen. Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool down. Put on a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher 30 minutes before going outside and reapply as the package directs.
- Consider a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses as well.
Consider pet and livestock safety.
- Keep pets hydrated by providing clean and cool drinking water.
- Provide shade with good airflow.
- Protect their paws. Place the back of your hand on the ground for five seconds. If it’s too hot for your skin, it’s too hot for your pet’s paw pads. Consider walking your pet in the early morning or in the evening when the asphalt has cooled down.
- Do not leave them in the car. Even with the windows cracked, the interior temperature can become deadly in minutes.
Check on others.
- Check on older, sick, or frail people who may need help responding to heat.
- Don’t leave electronic equipment in hot cars.
