With the expected high temperatures early this week, increasing heat indices can become dangerous. During high-heat times of the day, Winona Health welcomes community members who do not have access to air-conditioned spaces to escape the heat and cool off in the Winona Health clinic lobby.
Some simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk of heat-related illness and death. Some of these precautions include:
- Dress in lightweight, light-colored clothing.
- Keep your environment cooler by drawing shades, blinds and curtains.
- Stay out of the sun.
- Do NOT leave children, elderly adults, or pets in parked cars.
- Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities to the coolest part of day.
- Keep air circulating and use air conditioning when possible.
- Take baths, use cool cloths to the head or feet. Placing hands and wrists in cool water can help prevent body temperature from accelerating.
- Monitor individuals for early warning signs of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
Additional information on how to stay safe in high-heat temperatures is available through Winona County Emergency Management (winonacountyemergency.com/heat-and-humidity/) and the Minnesota Department of Health (health.state.mn.us/communities/environment/climate/extremeheat.html).
