MILWAUKEE — A Cold Weather Health Advisory has been issued for Milwaukee County.
This advisory comes from the City of Milwaukee Health Department, Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management, and the National Weather Service.
The health advisory is in effect from 9 p.m. Sunday, Jan 19 through 9 p.m. Monday, Jan 20.
Dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills are expected during this time. Temperatures that low pose significant health risks, including frostbite and hypothermia, according to the City of Milwaukee Health Department.
Related Coverage:
- Keep up with the forecast here
- Keep up with weather alerts in your area here
Abram Garcia was among many in Milwaukee spending Saturday afternoon in the city’s historic third ward taking advantage of Saturday’s milder cold weather.
“I’m well aware of the artic blast not looking forward to it when it really hits,” Garcia said. “Unfortunately, I am used to it, so I probably will still be out, going getting an iced coffee and just kind of going about my day.”
If you do go outside health officials warn you to limit your time in the elements and dress warmly.
Mike Harris plans to do just that for himself and his dog Lily, on their daily walks.
“She has several pairs of boots,” he explained. “I’ve got this warm jacket. I have an extra pair of heated gloves so hopefully all that helps.”
The health department urges people to take the following precautions during this cold weather:
Limit time outside: Prolonged exposure to wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin within minutes.
Dress warmly: Layers, layers, layers.
Monitor health risks: 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.
Prepare for emergencies: Keep extra supplies like blankets, food, and water in your vehicle and home in case of an emergency.
Use heat safety: Only use approved indoor heating devices to avoid the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.
Warming Centers: Call 2-1-1 or clickherefor information on warming locations.
The Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center will be open as a daytime warming center on Monday, Jan 20 and Tuesday, Jan 21 from 8 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
The center is located at 1220 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI, 53205.
Related Coverage:
- City leaders and warming centers working to keep people warm during frigid weather
- 'It's time to come on in': Warming shelters work to get people off the streets
For more resources on cold weather safety click here.
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