Protect yourself, others in extreme heat

Remember there are no steps at Laketown Beach and the walk up the dune can be dangerous.

Laketown Township remains under an extreme heat warning issued by the National Weather Service through 8 p.m. Thursday, July 2, 2026.

Dangerously hot conditions are expected with heat index values up to 105 degrees.

Allegan, Ottawa, Kent counties and most of lower Michigan are included in the extreme heat warning.

At the beach

If you head to Laketown Township Beach, 6710 142nd Ave., to beat the heat, remember that there are no stairs and climbing the dune back to the parking lot can be difficult.

The sand will be hot. Please make sure you have proper foot protection.

There are no lifeguards at Laketown Township Beach.

Park only in designated spots.

Ottawa County Emergency Management offers suggestions for staying safe in the extreme heat:

Protect yourself and your family

Take the heat seriously, even if you are healthy.

  • Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Do not wait until you are thirsty to begin hydrating.
  • Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day.
  • If you must work outside, take frequent breaks in the shade or an air-conditioned location.
  • Wear lightweight, light colored clothing and use sunscreen.
  • Never leave children, older adults, or pets inside a parked vehicle, even for a few minutes.

Prepare for possible power outages

Periods of extreme heat often lead to increased electricity demand. While no widespread outages are expected, it is always wise to prepare in case brownouts or blackouts occur.

If the power goes out:

  • Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible.
  • Move to the lowest level of your home, where temperatures are often cooler.
  • Open windows only if it is cooler outside than inside.
  • Use battery powered fans if available but remember that fans alone may not prevent heat related illness during extreme heat.
  • Know where cooling centers, libraries, shopping centers, or other air-conditioned public buildings are located and consider spending several hours there if your home becomes too hot.
  • Keep flashlights, batteries, portable phone chargers, and extra drinking water readily available.

Check on others

Some members of our community are more vulnerable to extreme heat.

Please take time to check on:

  • Older adults.
  • Young children.
  • People with chronic medical conditions.
  • Those without air conditioning.
  • Neighbors who live alone.

A quick phone call or visit could make a significant difference.

Don’t forget your pets

Our pets are just as vulnerable to extreme heat as we are.

  • Ensure they have constant access to fresh, cool water.
  • Provide plenty of shade if they must be outdoors.
  • Walk dogs during the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler.
  • Test pavement with your hand before walking your dog. If it is too hot for your hand, it is too hot for their paws.
  • Never leave pets unattended in a vehicle.