For the City Times

PORTAGE COUNTY — High temperatures are expected over much of Wisconsin during the next week, and Emergency Management and the Division of Public Health are reminding residents to take steps to stay cool during this heat wave.

“Hot temperatures and humidity can be dangerous and even deadly,” said Gary Garske, Portage County Health Officer. “During this heat wave, it’s important to stay cool, hydrated, and informed.”

Follow these tips to stay safe during extreme heat:

Stay in air conditioning. When possible, stay in air conditioning on hot days. If you don’t have air conditioning, head to libraries, malls, and other public spaces to keep cool. A list of Portage County Cooling Centers and hours of operation is available at Warming and Cooling Centers | Portage County, WI
Check on loved ones. Be sure to check on older friends and neighbors who live alone and don’t have air conditioning.
Avoid the hottest part of the day. If you have to be outside, stick to the cooler morning and evening hours. Wear light, loose clothing and take frequent, air conditioned breaks.
Beware of hot cars. Never leave a person or a pet in a parked car, even for a short time. On an 80 degree day, the temperature inside a car can reach 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes.
Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water on hot days. Avoid alcohol and hot, heavy meals.
Stay informed. Watch your local weather forecasts so you can plan outdoor activities safely. Pay attention to any extreme heat alerts.
Remember that anyone can get sick from the heat. In Wisconsin, people ages 15-34 are the most likely to report to the ER for getting sick from the heat. No matter your age or how healthy you are, it’s important to stay cool, hydrated, and informed on hot days.

If you start feeling overheated, weak, dizzy, nauseated, or have muscle cramps, you could be experiencing heat illness. Move to air conditioning, drink water, get under a fan, and put on cool washcloths. If your symptoms worsen or don’t improve, go to the emergency room.

For more information, visit the Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ heat safety webpage and watch their heat safety video.

2019 Portage County Cooling Centers Hours and Locations:

Almond

Village of Almond Municipal Center at 122 Main Street, Almond Hours: 8:00 AM -2:00 PM Mondays and Wednesdays (Phone) 715-366-8171, call to arrange for extended hours

Amherst

Lettie Jensen Community Center at 487 North Main Street, Amherst Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mondays through Thursdays), 9:00 AM-12:00 PM (Fridays)

Plover

Town of Plover Town Hall at 5081 Hoover Avenue, Plover Hours: 7:30 AM -5:00 PM (Mondays through Fridays) Phone 715-630-5493, call to arrange for extended hours
Village of Plover Municipal Center 2400 Post Road, Plover Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Mondays through Fridays)

Rosholt

Rosholt Branch – Portage County Public Library at 137 North Main Street, Rosholt Hours: 2:00 PM-6:00 PM (Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays), and

10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Wednesdays)

Stevens Point

Portage County Aging and Disability Resource Center – Lincoln Center at 1519 Water Street, Stevens Point Hours: 7:30 AM – 4:30 PM (Mondays through Fridays)
Portage County Health and Human Services at 817 Whiting Avenue, Stevens Point Hours: 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Mondays & Thursdays), 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Tuesdays),

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Wednesdays) and 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Fridays)