SHAWANO, WI- With dangerous heat expected to grip northeast Wisconsin this week, Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Officer Nick Mau is encouraging residents to take precautions to prevent heat-related illnesses, especially those most vulnerable to extreme temperatures.
Mau said the key to staying safe is simple: limit time outdoors, stay hydrated and find ways to cool down whenever possible.
“This is the time to take extra precautions,” Mau said. “Limit your time outside as much as possible. If you do have to be outdoors, hydration is key, and make sure you’re taking frequent breaks in the shade.”
He said children, infants and older adults face the greatest risk during prolonged periods of high heat.
“We really need to keep those more vulnerable people protected during these periods of extreme heat,” he said.
Mau also stressed the dangers of leaving anyone inside a parked vehicle, even for a short time.
“A vehicle can become like an oven,” he said. “We all get busy, but it’s something we have to pay extra attention to. Even with the air conditioning running, vehicles can still become dangerously hot.”
To help residents escape the heat, the Shawano County Courthouse is offering a public cooling center in the basement meeting rooms (Rooms A and B) at 311 N. Main St. The space is available during normal courthouse business hours—Monday through Thursday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Fridays from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., when not reserved for meetings.
Residents are welcome to cool off, charge their electronic devices and get out of the sun, although food and beverages are not provided.
“It’s a good place to relax and take some time out of the heat,” Mau said.
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