Where To Cool Off In Greenfield: Heat Advisory

GREENFIELD, WI — The National Weather Service has put out a heat advisory for much of southeastern Wisconsin. Areas near the Interstate 94 corridor in Milwaukee such as Greenfield and surrounding suburbs are especially at risk for high heat, according to the NWS.

The heat advisory will be in effect from 12 p.m.-7 p.m. Wednesday. Temperatures of over 100 degrees are to be expected, according to the NWS.

Knowing the signs and symptoms of heat illness can help keep loved ones safe. Learn more about preventing heat stroke from the CDC below.

Some people may have air conditioning to keep cool. If you're finding it hard to beat the heat, here are some local areas to cool down such as pools, water parks and air conditioned public buildings:

Cooling Centers

Milwaukee County has plenty of public buildings across the area that can serve as cooling centers, according to a news release from the City of Milwaukee Health Department. Call ahead to confirm that these areas are cool and can fit your needs.

These are areas open to the public to cool down near Greenfield:

Southridge Mall

Located at 5300 S 76th Street in Greendale. 414-421-5600

Greendale Public Library

Located at 5647 Broad Street in Greendale. 414-423-2790

Kelly Senior Center

Located at 6100 South Lake Drive in Cudahy. 414-481-9611

Pools, Splash Pads and Water Parks

Milwaukee County has partially reopened many of its pools. People must register ahead of time for a slot at pools operated by the county. 2.5 hour time slots can be reserved for local pools here. See below for a list of aquatic refuges near Greenfield:

Cool Waters

Cool Waters is a water park in Greenfield Park located at 2028 124th Street in West Allis. Reservations are required and walk ups are not allowed. Register here.

Hales Corners Wading Pad

A wading pool, open from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., is located at 5765 South New Berlin Road in Hales Corners.

Sheridan Pool and Wading Pool

This pool is open daily for two sessions: 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., and 2:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. Reservations are not required. Located at 4800 South Lake Drive in Cudahy.

Drexel Town Square Splash Pad

This splash pad can help keep kids cool. Shops nearby can keep adults occupied and cool as well. Located at Drexel Town Square in Oak Creek, 361 West Town Square Way.

Avoiding Heat Illness

Heat illness can be caused in extreme heat, regardless of how much physical activity someone is doing. The best way to prevent heat related illness is to stay hydrated. The body can lose a liter of water every hour just from sweating — replenishing your body with water is essential, according to the CDC.

Learn the symptoms and what to do when someone shows signs of heat illness from the CDC.

If heat illnesses develop, they can quickly become life threatening. When heat exhaustion develops into heat stroke, a true medical emergency has formed. Heat stroke is a total shutdown of the body's cooling systems. If you suspect heat stroke call 911 immediately, the CDC says.

What To Look For

Heat illnesses start with heat cramps and heat exhaustion. When someone is sweating heavily, has painful muscle spasms, a rapid pulse, nausea, headaches, dizziness, or weakness; these are signs of heat exhaustion, the CDC says.

These signs and symptoms can develop into heat stroke. Heat stroke is extremely dangerous and life threatening, the CDC says.

Heat Cramps and Exhaustion

When someone is in the first stages of heat illness they are typically still conscious, sweating and confused. Here's what to do, according to the CDC:

Move the person to a shaded, cool area. Only if the person is conscious and capable to drink water, have them consume water or diluted sports drinks with electrolytes. Loosen the person's clothes.

Do not force someone to drink water if they cannot do so.

Wait for muscle cramps to go away before starting activity again. Keep the person's skin wet and cold. If the person's condition does not quickly improve: Call 911 immediately.

If a person has many of these symptoms, but they have gone unresponsive, are extremely confused, are throwing up, show oral temperatures above 103 degrees Fahrenheit, or have red, hot skin and have stopped sweating entirely: This is a medical emergency and indicative of heat stroke. Heat stroke can kill. Call 911 immediately.

When To Get Medical Help Right Away

These are the symptoms that call for immediate medical attention at any stage of heat illness, according to the CDC.

• Cramps last longer than one hour.
• You are on a low-sodium diet.
• You have heart problems.
• You are throwing up.
• Symptoms do not improve over one hour or they get worse.
• Loss of consciousness.
• Skin stops sweating and becomes hot or dry.