ReadyWisconsin urges people to prepare for incoming arctic blast

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Extremely cold air expected in the state this week will lead to dangerous conditions that can affect people and pets in a matter of minutes. ReadyWisconsin is urging everyone to plan ahead to help keep themselves and their loved ones safe.

The National Weather Service is forecasting arctic air will move into Wisconsin Wednesday afternoon, with extreme cold conditions continuing through the early part of Saturday. Some areas may experience subzero wind chills in the double-digits. A wind chill of negative 20 degrees Fahrenheit will cause frostbite in just 30 minutes. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, ear lobes, or top of the nose.

To help people avoid the risks posed by such cold temperatures, ReadyWisconsin offers the following advice:

 

·         Limit your time outdoors. If you must be outside, dress for the weather. Wear loose-fitting layers, a hat, gloves, and snow boots. Make sure you have a scarf or some other way to cover your face.

·         Know the signs of hypothermia, which include excessive shivering, exhaustion, confusion, and slurred speech. If you, or anyone around you, begins to show symptoms, call 911 immediately.

·         Know the signs of frostbite, which include a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, and numbness. If you detect symptoms, get to a warm area. Do not try to rub them, as it can cause more damage.

·         Check the supplies in your home and vehicle emergency kits. If food items or batteries have expired or run low, replace them.

·         Test the smoke and carbon monoxide detectors around your home. If you can’t remember the last time you changed the batteries, go ahead and replace them.

·         Check your furnace to make sure it is working properly. If you rely on heating oil or propane, make sure you have enough to last through the current period of cold temperatures and schedule a delivery before you start to run low.

·         Do not attempt to use gasoline or propane heaters or a grill to heat your home or garage. Those devices produce carbon monoxide, which can be deadly in enclosed areas.

·         Prepare your vehicle for the possible effects of the cold weather. Keep the gas tank at least half-full. Pack an emergency kit with items such as food, water, extra blankets and warm clothing, booster cables, and a cell phone charger.

·         Make sure water pipes in unheated areas are properly insulated. If you have faucets served by exposed pipes, let water drip from them or run at a slow trickle to prevent freezing. Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow heat to get to the pipes.

·         If you have pets, limit their time outdoors. Dogs and cats can get frost-bitten ears, nose and feet if left outside during bitter cold weather. For livestock, make sure they have access to extra food and a water source that will not freeze. Outdoor animals need access to a dry place to seek shelter. Help provide a windbreak for larger animals and an enclosed space for smaller animals to help them retain their body heat.

 

For those without access to a heated, safe place to stay, some communities may open warming shelters during periods of extreme cold. You can get information about many of those locations through 211 Wisconsin Contact Centers, by dialing the three-digit number 2-1-1 or 877-947-2211 and by going online to 211wisconsin.org. You can also check local government and public health agency websites for information on actions they may be taking within your community.

 

You can find more winter weather safety information at https://readywisconsin.wi.gov/be-informed/winter-storms/ or through the Wisconsin Department of Health Services at https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/climate/winter-weather.htm.

Snow Removal from Sidewalks & Mailboxes

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Update 1-12-22 – It is past the 24 hours after a snow/ice event and several sidewalks in the Village have not been cleared. Please be considerate of your neighbors and clear the snow and ice from your sidewalks.

Be weather prepared during rare December wind and storm event

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All of Wisconsin is under a high wind warning, with gusts expected late Wednesday afternoon through Thursday morning.

The National Weather Service is expecting those gusts to exceed 65 mph in some areas. There is also a moderate risk of severe thunderstorms, with isolated tornadoes possible.

ReadyWisconsin is urging people to be prepared during this weather event. Make preparations now for power outages that could be prolonged in some areas.

To stay safe from severe weather, ReadyWisconsin encourages people to do the following:

·         Know where designated shelters are located at home, work, and school, and be ready to go there when a tornado warning is issued.

·         Have multiple ways to receive alerts about approaching severe weather. Outdoor warning sirens, a NOAA Weather Radio, local media, and smartphone apps are all important tools. Don’t rely on any single source for important life-saving alerts.

·         If you have a mobile device, make sure it is enabled to receive Wireless Emergency Alerts. On many devices, that option is available in the settings menu.

·         Create an emergency kit for your home, with supplies such as food, water, a flashlight, and first aid kit. Find tips for building a kit at https://readywisconsin.wi.gov

During high wind events, avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in lower levels of your home and avoid windows. ReadyWisconsin suggests securing lightweight objects, such as holiday decoration, and bring unsecured objects inside.

Travel may also be difficult for those driving high-profile vehicles, such as semi-trucks and large SUVs. Crosswinds can easily affect these vehicles with a larger surface area.

Wisconsin Emergency Management is monitoring the weather conditions and stands ready to assist if local officials request assistance.

For more tips on severe weather, visit https://readywisconsin.wi.gov.