Wind, snow and cold will impact Racine County starting today and continuing through Wednesday and the county’s emergency management coordinator is warning residents to take precautions.
“We would like to remind everyone that these bitterly cold temperatures can be life threatening,” David Maack, said in a release issued by his office Friday. “It is important that you limit your exposure to the cold and if you must be out, dress for the weather.”
The National Weather Service says travel will be difficult Friday afternoon and evening as a front moves through the state. Winds of 20-30 mph gusting to 40 mph in southeast Wisconsin will combine with light snow and existing powdery snow already on the ground to create slick roads and limited visibility.
More snow is expected in Wisconsin Saturday and Sunday with 4 to 5 inches possible. An arctic blast follows with dangerous wind chills beginning Sunday night into Monday and continuing through Wednesday. NWS Meteorologists are predicting lows Monday night into Tuesday morning of -15 to -30 with wind chills at -30 to -50.
Hypothermia and frostbite are the two greatest risks during these extreme cold events, according to Maack. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in less than 10 minutes. Symptoms include a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, ear tips and tip of the nose.
Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness in adults and children. In infants, symptoms can include bright red or cold skin and very low energy. If you notice anyone exhibiting any of the symptoms of hypothermia, seek medical care immediately.
Maack’s office offers the following advice for dealing with the cold weather:
• Stay indoors as much as possible and limit exposure to the cold;
• Dress in layers and keep dry. Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves. Wear a hat. A hat will prevent loss of body heat. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs;
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance;
• Know the symptoms of cold-related health issues such as frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical attention if health conditions are severe;
• Be aware of carbon monoxide dangers. Never run a gasoline or propane heater or a grill (gas or charcoal) inside your home or an unventilated garage. Any heating system that burns fuel will produce carbon monoxide;
• Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States. Symptoms of overexposure to carbon monoxide are often mistaken for the flu and include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath/chest pain, nausea/vomiting and confusion. If you or someone you know experience any of these symptoms, or your carbon monoxide detector sounds an alarm, seek shelter elsewhere immediately and call 911;
• Generators should be run a safe distance from the home. Never run a generator in the home or garage, or right next to windows or doors. Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector;
• Don’t forget to bring your pets indoors or ensure they have a warm shelter area with unfrozen water;
• Keep your car fuel tank at least half-full. Make sure your vehicle has an emergency kit that includes an ice scraper, candles and matches, a flashlight, pocketknife, snacks, a cell phone adapter, a blanket and extra clothing;
• Never run a car in an enclosed space. If a vehicle is running, you must have a door open to the outside;
• Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance. Senior citizens are more susceptible to hypothermia. Older adults tend to produce less body heat than younger people and it’s hard for them to tell when the temperature is too low.
More information and tips on being ready for winter weather and extreme cold temperatures is available at http://www.readyracineco.com/hazards.html.
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