A brisk northwest wind tonight will usher in dangerously cold air, setting up a frigid day Wednesday when air temperatures look to stay below zero. If venturing outside, be sure any exposed skin is covered. A brief warm-up is planned on Thursday before more arctic air plunges into the region for Thursday night into Saturday morning.
Winter Weather Dangers – Press Release
MADISON, Wis. (READY WISCONSIN NEWS RELEASE) — The new year is bringing snow and arctic cold air that will impact Wisconsin the next few days. Here’s the latest information on weather conditions and tips to keep you and your family safe.
Bitter temperatures – Arctic air has moved in across the state creating dangerously cold wind chills. High temperatures will only be in the single digits, with low temperatures falling as low as -15. Bitterly cold overnight wind chill readings of -20 to -35 should be widespread across the state from Tuesday morning thru Thursday morning. The National Weather Service will likely issue wind chill advisories and/or warnings during this period. In addition, a Winter Weather Advisory has been issued for parts of southern Wisconsin that could receive 2 to 5 inches of snow overnight.
On the road – If you are traveling make sure you have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. Items to include in the kit are candles and matches, a flashlight, pocket knife, snacks, a cell phone adapter, a blanket and extra clothing. For a complete list go to http://ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov
Health Risks – With wind chills of -20 to -35, there is an increased risk of frostbite and hypothermia. If you must venture outdoors, make sure you wear a hat and gloves. Frostbite can happen in less than 30 minutes of exposure to those conditions. Symptoms include a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, ear tips and tip of the nose. Limit your time outside. If you see these signs, seek medical care immediately.
Hypothermia is also a danger in these conditions. That is when your body temperature drops below 95˚F. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, disorientation, slurred speech and drowsiness. Again, limit your outdoor activity and seek medical care if you detect these symptoms.
Carbon Monoxide Danger – Carbon monoxide is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control. More than 20,000 people visit the emergency room and nearly 500 are killed each year from carbon monoxide poisoning.
Make sure you have working CO detectors. All homes and duplexes in Wisconsin are required to have CO detectors on every level including the basement, but not the attic or storage areas. Have your furnace or wood-burning stove inspected annually to make sure it is structurally and functionally sound and vents properly to the outside of your home.
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. Use a battery-powered detector where you have fuel burning devices but no electric outlets, such as in tents, cabins, RVs, and boats with enclosed cabins. Never run a car in an enclosed space. If a vehicle is running, you must have a door open to the outside. 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.
Breathing carbon monoxide displaces the oxygen in the blood and can cause death within minutes at high levels. 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 experience any of these symptoms, or your carbon monoxide detector sounds an alarm, head outside immediately for fresh air and call 911.
Pet care – While our pets might seem to have built-in, warm winter coats, they too are sensitive to the elements. It is recommended to bring them indoors during this bitter weather. Dogs and cats can get frost bitten ears, nose and feet if left outside during bitter cold weather. Chemicals used to melt snow and ice can also irritate pets’ paws – be sure to keep anti-freeze, salt and other poisons away from pets.
For additional safety tips, visit http://ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov. You can also check out Midwest road conditions and airport delays. Follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ReadyWisconsin) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ReadyWisconsin).
Latest LaCrosse Weather Story
We have uploaded an updated weather summary video which covers:
- Hazardous travel conditions expected for late this afternoon and evening due to snow. The worst conditions look to occur across Iowa.
- Bitter to dangerous cold expected this week, which will require many days of wind chill advisories and warnings. Plan on Wednesday as the coldest day when temperatures stay below zero.
Andrew Just / John Wetenkamp
NWS-La Crosse
Are You Ready for Christmas?
ReadyWisconsin has simple tips to keep the holiday safe
(MADISON) – The joys of the holidays are all around us, but so are the dangers. An average of six deaths and more than 20 injuries occur annually as a result of home fires started from Christmas trees, according to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA). By taking a little TLC…Tree, Lights and Candle Safety…you can help ensure a safe and happy holiday season for your family.
“T” is for Tree:
Selecting a Tree for the Holiday
Needles on fresh trees should be green and hard to pull back from the branches, and the needle should not break if the tree has been freshly cut. The trunk should be sticky to the touch. Old trees can be identified by bouncing the tree trunk on the ground – if many needles fall off, the tree has probably dried out and is a fire hazard.
Caring for Your Tree
Do not place your tree close to a heat source, including a fireplace or heat vent. The heat will dry out the tree, causing it to be more easily ignited by heat, flame or sparks. Be careful not to drop or flick cigarette ashes near a tree. Keep the tree stand filled with water at all times.
Disposing of Your Tree
Never put tree branches or needles in a fireplace or wood-burning stove. When the tree becomes dry, discard it promptly. The best way to dispose of your tree is by taking it to a recycling center or having it hauled away by a community pick-up service.
Artificial Christmas Trees If you are using a metallic or artificial tree, make sure it is flame retardant.
“L” is for Lights:
Maintain Your Holiday Lights
Inspect holiday lights each year for frayed wires, bare spots, gaps in the insulation, broken or cracked sockets, and excessive kinking or wear before putting them up. Use only lighting listed by an approved testing laboratory.
Do Not Overload Electrical Outlets
Do not link more than three light strands unless the directions indicate it is safe. Connect strings of lights to an extension cord before plugging the cord into the outlet. Make sure to periodically check the wires – they should not be warm to the touch. Do not leave holiday lights on unattended.
Use Only Nonflammable Decorations
All decorations should be nonflammable or flame retardant and placed away from heat vents.
“C” is for Candle:
Avoid Using Lit Candles
Candle use increases the incidence of holiday fires. If you do use them, make sure they are in stable holders and place them where they cannot be easily knocked down. Never leave the house with candles burning. Keep candles at a height where children and pets cannot reach them. Consider using flameless candles that provide the appearance and glow of a candle but are safely battery operated.
Never Put Lit Candles on a Tree
Do not go near a Christmas tree with an open flame – candles, lighters or matches.
Finally, as in every season, have working smoke alarms installed on every level of your home, test them monthly and keep them clean and equipped with fresh batteries at all times. Know when and how to call for help, and remember to practice your home escape plan.
ReadyWisconsin is a campaign from Wisconsin Emergency Management with a mission to prepare individuals, families and businesses for emergencies and disasters. For additional winter safety tips, visit http://ReadyWisconsin.wi.gov or follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/ReadyWisconsin) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ReadyWisconsin).
Emergency Preparedness – “Ready- Big Hero”
More information can be found at ready.gov/kids
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nK1XcIp6hrk