Dane County: Extreme Heat Prompts Need for Neighbors to Check on Neighbors
July 03, 2012
Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive 608-266-9069
County Executive
County Forecast to Experience Most Significant Heat Wave Seen Since 1930s
With several days of extreme heat forecast, Dane County officials are encouraging neighbors to check on neighbors, especially those who are elderly and live alone or have medical conditions that may make them susceptible to the difficult weather conditions the area is experiencing.
Dane County Executive Joe Parisi, County Emergency Management Director Charles Tubbs, and County Human Services Director Lynn Green held a news conference this morning to discuss the county’s ongoing coordinated response to the extreme temperatures.
County Executive Parisi noted that Dane County Human Services works with vulnerable citizens every day, and has asked the hundreds of agencies with whom it contracts with to be extra vigilant in the midst of this heat wave to watch out for anyone who may need special assistance.
“Those most vulnerable to the kind of extreme temperatures we’re seeing are the people whose homes human services and its providers visit and serve on a regular basis,” Parisi said. “One of most core functions of county government is to look out for our most vulnerable - - and we’re re-doubling our efforts given this heat wave.”
Parisi noted that Human Services Director Lynn Green is in regular contact with the County’s Joining Forces for Families Offices and the county’s service providers to ensure they are checking on people.
“I’ve asked all agencies that work with the county to check on individuals they serve given this extreme heat and make sure they understand the risks and are taking preventative action,” Green said. “As a community, together we need to check on the welfare of those who are most at risk.”
Dane County Emergency Management is holding regular situation briefings with local officials and responders to ensure all appropriate agencies are coordinating information and their response efforts.
“Dane County Emergency Management is working to ensure both preparation and response efforts meet citizens’ needs. Our responsibility is to provide the highest quality service when supporting and coordination life preservation activities to Dane County citizens, staff, and their pets,” said Emergency Management Director Charles Tubbs.
The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning for Dane County through 10 p.m. Friday.
Dane County has already experienced six consecutive days of high temperatures 90 degrees or hotter. Temperatures at or above 100 degrees are forecast for now through the end of the week. If current forecasts hold true, this would be the longest heat wave the area has seen since the 1930s.
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