Excessive Heat Advisory and Watch issued in Milwaukee County -- here's a list of cooling centers

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The City of Milwaukee Health Department and the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management have issued a Heat Health Advisory and Watch due to an Excessive Heat Advisory from the National Weather Service for Monday, Aug. 26 from 1 to 8 p.m. and an Excessive Heat Watch for Tuesday, Aug. 27 for the same times.

Heat indices are expected to reach between 100 and 108 on Monday. Tuesday could see heat indices from 100 to 110, depending on cloud cover and possible thunderstorms.

Many, like former Milwaukee Public Schools employee Tom Etten, decided to beat the heat at Bradford Beach.

"Well it is pretty hot today and we're watching a couple of our grandchildren and so we thought we got to take them someplace where they can get outside without dying of the heat, so we took them down here in the morning and they're having a good time," he said. "If we didn't have the beach, I wouldn't like a day like today, frankly."

Milwaukee resident Mario Sotomayor also took time to soak up the last bit of Summer on the shoreline.

"I don't live too far away," he said. "I live a block from Cathedral Square Park, so it's like a 2-mile run here. I'll jog over here usually, take a dip."

While some enjoyed the weather, others may have decided to wait it out indoors. If you do that the rest of the week, We Energies recommends closing your blinds and having your air conditioner and a fan on to help reduce costs.

"Turn your thermostat up a few degrees, it can save you money and if you're worried, 'well then I am going to be too hot,' if you have a fan, use the fan," We Energies Spokesperson Brendan Conway said. "It's amazing what 78, 80, or even 81 degrees in your house can feel like if you have a fan blowing on you."

While higher temperatures mean more power is being used, Conway said the energy company is always prepared for the Wisconsin Weather.

"Our generation system is literally built for the hottest and the coldest day of the year," he said. "Customers can be assured they're going to have the power they need when they need it."

The health department reports that they are increasing surveillance for heat-related illnesses and working with local partners to address the needs of vulnerable populations. Staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and being aware of the symptoms of heat stroke are important during hot days like these.

Cooling sites are available, and residents can find locations by clicking here.

To stay safe during the heat, the department advises people to stay cool by limiting physical activity and spending time in air-conditioned spaces. Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding caffeinated or alcoholic beverages is also advised.

Officials also remind residents to check on vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with specific medical conditions who might be especially prone to heat-related illness.

More safety tips can be found by clicking here.

For more information on how to find the closest cooling center to you, you can call "2-1-1" or click here. 

The list of cooling centers in Milwaukee includes:

• Atkinson Public Library: 1960 W Atkinson Ave, Milwaukee, WI
• Bay View Public Library: 2566 S Kinnickinnic Ave, Milwaukee, WI
• Beulah Brinton Community Center: 2555 S Bay St, Milwaukee, WI
• Capitol Public Library: 3969 N 74th St, Milwaukee, WI
• Center Street Public Library: 2727 W Fond Du Lac Ave, Milwaukee, WI
• Central Public Library: 814 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI
• East Public Library: 2320 N Cramer St, Milwaukee, WI
• Martin Luther King Public Library: 310 W Locust St, Milwaukee, WI
• McGovern Park Senior Center: 4500 W Custer Ave, Milwaukee, WI
• Mill Road Public Library: 6431 N 76th St, Milwaukee, WI
• Tippecanoe Public Library: 3912 S Howell Ave, Milwaukee, WI
• Villard Avenue Public Library: 5190 N 35th St, Milwaukee, WI
• Washington Park Public Library: 2121 N Sherman Blvd, Milwaukee, WI
• Wilson Park Senior Center: 2601 W. Howard Ave.
• Zablocki Public Library — 3501 W Oklahoma Ave, Milwaukee, WI