EXTREME HEAT RESOURCES

Rising temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illnesses, including heat stroke and heat exhaustion. It is important to know the early signs so you can protect yourself and those around you. Muscle cramping may be the first symptom of a heat-related illness. Other symptoms include headaches, nausea, strong or rapid pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness and even death if not addressed promptly.

Heat stroke occurs when an individual’s body temperature exceeds 103°F. Infants, children, and individuals 65 or older are at a higher risk of developing heat stroke because they are less likely to notice the change in their body’s temperature. 

Tips to reduce heat-related illness:

  • Stay cool – wear light clothing, reduce sun exposure, and stay in air-conditioned buildings as much as possible.  Visit a Cooling Center if your home is too warm.
  • Stay hydrated – increase water intake and never wait until you are thirsty to drink fluids.
  • Limit dehydrating beverages – avoid alcohol and beverages containing large quantities of sugar.
  • Check on at-risk individuals twice a day.
  • Wear lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing.
  • Never leave children, disabled persons, or pets in a parked car – even briefly.

For more information on the symptoms of heat-related illness, visit: www.cdc.gov/extremeheat/warnin


The CDC defines extreme heat as “summertime temperatures that are substantially hotter and/or more humid than average for that location at that time of year.” Climate change increases extreme heat exposure. Learn more.

A Cooling Center is an air-conditioned public facility where people may go for relief during periods of extreme heat. All four North Shore libraries are designated Cooling Centers.

Brown Deer Public Library
4301 W Brown Deer Rd.
Brown Deer, WI  53223
414-357-0106


Shorewood Public Library
3920 N. Murray Ave.
Shorewood, WI  53211
414-847-2670     

North Shore Public Library
6800 N. Port Washington Rd.
Glendale, WI 53217
414-351-3461

Whitefish Bay Public Library
5420 N. Marlborough Dr. 
Whitefish Bay, WI 53217
414-964-4380                                     

For a complete list of cooling centers in Milwaukee county, dial 2-1-1.