Plan Ahead to Beat the Heat - June 4 is Heat Safety Awareness Day
June 03, 2025
Andrew Beckett, (608) 628-8075
Emergency Management
Contact: Andrew Beckett, DCEM - beckett.andrew@danecounty.gov
Morgan Finke, Public Health Madison & Dane County - Phmedia@publichealthmdc.com
MADISON, Wis. – The summer months are a great time to enjoy everything southern Wisconsin has to offer. However, summer can also bring with it the chance of extreme heat. June 4 is Heat Safety Awareness Day in Wisconsin, and Dane County encourages everyone to learn more about how they can stay safe when temperatures climb.
“Periods of extreme heat can quickly put people at risk if they are not prepared,” said Dane County Executive Melissa Agard. “Take time to make a plan for how you can keep yourself and others in your home cool, before the hottest months of the year arrive.”
“Increased temperatures can have a negative impact on your health,” warned Dane County Emergency Management Director Charles A. Tubbs, Sr. “When temperatures climb, it’s important to remember to stay cool, stay hydrated, and stay connected so that you and your loved ones can stay safe.”
People of all ages are at risk of getting heat-related illnesses. In 2024, two heat-related deaths occurred in Wisconsin, according to preliminary data from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS). More than 668 Wisconsinites also visited emergency rooms for heat-related illnesses last year.
“Extreme heat kills more people in the U.S. each year than hurricanes, tornadoes, and floods combined, yet it’s often underestimated. The good news is that heat-related illness is preventable,” said Morgan Finke, Communications Coordinator at Public Health Madison & Dane County. “If you feel dizzy, confused, weak, or excessively sweaty, please take it seriously and find a place to cool off and hydrate. We also urge everyone to check on vulnerable neighbors and family during especially hot stretches this summer.”
Stay cool
- Stay in air-conditioned buildings. If you need a cool place to stay, public places such as local senior and community centers, libraries, and malls are good options. Call ahead to confirm their hours.
- Limit outdoor activity, especially midday, which is usually 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 person or pet in a parked car.
Stay hydrated
- Drink more water 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. Call, text, visit in person, or do a video call.
When extreme heat is in the forecast, be ready to put your plans in action. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, check with local community resources to see what public locations are open during the hottest times of the day. If you start to experience signs of heat-related illnesses in yourself or others around you, take action immediately.
Follow Dane County Emergency Management on Facebook and BlueSky for weather updates and tips on how to stay safe during period of extreme heat.