Milwaukee extreme cold health warning issued thru noon Tuesday, Jan. 21

MILWAUKEE - The City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD), in partnership with the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the National Weather Service (NWS), has issued an Extreme Cold Health Warning for Milwaukee County.
The health warning is in effect from 3 a.m. through noon, Jan. 21. The current health advisory remains in effect until the health warning begins at 3 a.m.
Bitter cold temps
What we know:
Bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills as low as -32F are expected during this period, posing significant health risks, including frostbite and hypothermia.
Individuals are urged to take the following precautions to stay safe:
- Limit Time Outdoors: Prolonged exposure to wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 to 25 minutes with wind chills of 25 to 35 degrees below zero.
- Dress Warmly: Wear multiple layers of clothing, along with gloves, hats, and scarves.
- Monitor Health Risks:Frostbite symptoms include numbness, tingling, and discoloration of the skin.Hypothermia symptoms include shivering, confusion, and slurred speech.
- Frostbite symptoms include numbness, tingling, and discoloration of the skin.
- Hypothermia symptoms include shivering, confusion, and slurred speech.
- Check in on others: Reach out to neighbors and family who may need assistance staying warm. Call 2-1-1 for information on warming locations.
- Access Warming Locations: If you or someone you know needs a warm place to go during the upcoming cold snap, dial 2-1-1 or visit IMPACT 2-1-1’s website.
Warming site
What we know:
Additionally, the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services will be opening Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center as a daytime warming site for anyone in need on Monday, Jan. 20 and Tuesday, Jan. 21 from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The center is located at 1220 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI, 53205. Please use the 13th Street entrance.
- Protect Pets: Ensure pets are indoors or in a sheltered, warm space with access to water.
- Prepare for Emergencies: Keep extra supplies like blankets, food, and water in your vehicle and home in case of an emergency.
- Use Heat Safely: Only use approved indoor heating devices to avoid the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
What you can do:
For additional information on winter weather safety, you are invited to visit the Milwaukee Health Department website.
The Source: The information in this post was provided by the Milwaukee Health Department.