With weather forecasters predicting cold temperatures and dangerously cold wind chill starting Saturday night and Sunday, Shawano and Menominee counties and the Menominee tribal emergency management officials issued a reminder Friday about the dangers of severe cold.
They encouraged everyone to follow these safety tips:
• If you are going to be outside, let someone know where you are headed and when you expect to return.
• Make a car survival kit including blankets, sleeping bags, extra clothing and high-energy foods. To learn more about cold weather car and home kits, visit readywisconsin.wi.gov.
• Be sure your vehicle’s fuel tank is at least half-full and the battery is charged.
• Do not touch metal surfaces with uncovered hands – flesh will freeze immediately to the surface.
• Do not drink alcohol before participating in an outdoor activity. Alcohol can reduce your brain’s ability to recognize your body’s warning when it becomes too cold.
• Layer clothing and use hats and ski masks to cover nose and ears when going outdoors.
“Remember, with low temperatures exposed skin such as the nose and ears can freeze within 30 seconds with a wind chill factor of negative 30 degrees,” said Jaime Bodden, health director for Shawano-Menominee Counties Health Department.
Categories
