About a few weeks into summer, it’s important to remember that the heat can affect everyone.
Manitowoc County Emergency Services Director Rhonda Green said on the WCUB Breakfast Club that now it’s important to listen to your body especially with days of higher temperatures and humidity, which can quickly cause heat-related illnesses like heat stroke or heat exhaustion.
But extremely hot days without humidity can be just as problematic as Green explained in a personal experience in Las Vegas.
“Going down the strip one day, I mean, I was having the time of my life,” she stated.
“That’s a lot of activity, a lot of lights, a lot of action, and I was just in awe, not paying attention to my body. And we were (her and her husband) standing at a corner, and I got really dizzy and I then felt sick to my stomach. And then I realized, wait a minute, I’m not sweating anymore. Heat exhaustion!”
Green says older adults, children, people who work, and people who exercise during a hot day are most susceptible to heat-related issues.
People with mental health issues or drug problems can also be victims of the extreme heat.
It’s always a good idea to stay inside on extremely hot days and drink plenty of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Green also says it’s important to watch your kids and pets if they’re outside.
“Be careful with that,” she explained.
“I know kids love to get out there and play play play. Watch them. Bring them in and let them cool down before they go back out again.”
If you start feeling heat symptoms like nausea and headaches or you stop sweating, it’s important to get inside and cool down.
You can find out more information about what to about excessive heat the Manitowoc County Emergency Management website.
