Wauwatosa Health Department offers tips for dealing with extreme heat

The Wauwatosa Health Department has released a number of guidelines for residents on how to deal with extreme heat in Wisconsin.

According to the department, the number of heat-related deaths far exceed tornadoes, severe storms and floods combined.

The health department recommends the following for when temperatures are higher than 90 degrees:

·Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day. If the activity is unavoidable, drink plenty of fluids and take frequent breaks in air-conditioned or shaded areas. Consider monitoring body weight and oral temperature. A weight loss of more than two pounds or an oral temperature higher than 99 degrees is cause for concern.

·Do not leave anyone — including children, those with disabilities or pets — in cars for even brief periods. Temperatures can rise to life-threatening levels in a matter of minutes.

·Make frequent checks on the status of elderly or ill relatives or neighbors. If necessary, move them to an air-conditioned environment during the hottest part of the day.

·To avoid dehydration, a conscious effort should be made to drink more fluids during hot weather. Rapid weight loss may be a sign of dehydration. Don't drink liquids that contain caffeine, alcohol or large amounts of sugar which can cause you to lose more body fluid.

·Use fans to increase ventilation. If temperatures are higher than 90 degrees, have the fan blow the hot air outside. At extreme high temperatures, a fan loses its ability to effectively reduce heat-related illness.

·Cool showers, baths and sponge baths can be used to reduce body temperatures. Wet clothing also has a cooling effect.