It is important to be knowledgeable about extreme weather as well as know your resources.

For any current severe weather threats, visit our blog page on Severe Weather Updates to be informed of how the North Shore Health Department is providing aid.

PHEP Weather Threats

Bad Weather Shelters:

Cooling Centers

A cooling center is an air-conditioned public facility where people may go for relief and prevent heat-related illness (heatstroke/dehydration) during periods of extreme heat. All four North Shore libraries are designated cooling centers.

Warming Centers

A warming center is a heated public facility where people may go for relief and prevent cold-related injuries (hypothermia/frostbite) during dangerously cold conditions. All four North Shore libraries are designated warming 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

Call 211 for more information/resources around Wisconsin or click here to visit their website

211 Map of Bad Weather Shelters - Type in your zip code to find a shelter near you

Understanding How Climate Change Causes Public Health Emergencies and Affects your Health:

Climate change threatens the fundamentals that sustain life and health (fresh water, food, clean air, shelter, and security) which threatens the health and possibly the very survival of the communities that local health departments serve. Learn more about the effects of climate change on health from the CDC here.

Extreme Heat Information:

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.

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

  • Headache

  • Nausea

  • Strong/Rapid pules

  • Dizziness

  • Death

Tips to reduce heat-related illness:

  • Stay Cool- wear lighter clothing, reduce sun exposure, and stay in air conditioned buildings as much as possible

    • Visit a cooling center if your home is too warm (see below for more information)

  • 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)