With temperatures and heat indexes expected to reach the high 90s for Thursday and Friday, the National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat watch for  Southern Wisconsin, including Dane County.  
 
Extremely high or unusually hot temperatures coupled with high humidity can have some serious effects on your health such as heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
 
Over 600 deaths from extreme heat events occur each year in the United States. Most vulnerable are the elderly, those who work or exercise outdoors, infants and children, the homeless or poor, and people with a chronic medical condition.
 
Here are some important precautions you should take to avoid serious health consequences related to this extreme heat.
 
Stay cool

• Stay in air-conditioned buildings. If you need a cool place to stay, public places such as local senior centers, libraries, and malls are good options.
• Limit outdoor activity, especially midday when it is the hottest part of the day, and avoid direct sunlight.
• Wear loose, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
• Never sit in a parked car or leave a child or pet in a parked car.

 Stay hydrated

• Drink more than usual and don’t wait until you’re thirsty to drink.
• Drink from two to four cups of water every hour while working or exercising outside.
• Avoid alcohol and liquids containing high amounts of sugar.
• Make sure your family and pets are drinking enough water.

Stay connected

• Check your local news for extreme heat warnings and safety tips.
• Regularly check on friends, loved-ones, and neighbors either face-to-face or via telephone.

 
Additionally, all residents are encouraged to learn the signs and first aid response for heat-related illness. Warning signs and symptoms vary but may include:

Heat Exhaustion
Symptoms

• Heavy sweating
• Weakness
• Skin cold, pale, and clammy
• Weak pulse
• Fainting and vomiting

 What You Should Do

• Move to a cooler location.
• Lie down and loosen your clothing.
• Apply cool, wet cloths to as much of your body as possible.
• Sip water.
• If you have vomited and it continues, seek medical attention immediately.

Heat Stroke
Symptoms

• High body temperature (above 103°F)*
• Hot, red, dry or moist skin
• Rapid and strong pulse
• Possible unconsciousness

What You Should Do

• Call 911 immediately — this is a medical emergency.
• Move the person to a cooler environment.
• Reduce the person's body temperature with cool cloths or even a bath.
• Do NOT give fluids.