Green Bay, WI (WTAQ) – All of Wisconsin dropped below zero this (Monday) morning, as the Badger State endures its first cold spell of the winter.
Breezes of up to 15-miles-an-hour dropped Northeast Wisconsin wind-chills to minus-20 to 30 degrees. Wisconsin Emergency Management’s Tod Pritchard says there’s some basic rules to follow to stay safe if you have to be outside.
Pritchard says “cover as much of your skin as possible and limit your time outdoors”
Frostbite can set in within half an hour on unprotected skin. A survival kit with extra blankets and hand warmers needs to be in your car as well.
And don’t try and heat your home with untraditional items or outdoor sources.
“we’re talking things like propane heaters, gas and charcoal grills”
Pritchard says that’s a fire and carbon monoxide hazard. Gas coming from heaters and grills can be deadly and sneak up on you without you even noticing.
Ice fishing enthusiasts need to be cautious in the next couple of days as well. It will take several more days of extreme cold to make the ice thick enough to safely venture out. Pritchard says it’s best to check with the DNR or local experts to get the most accurate conditions.
The National Weather Service says another blast of Arctic air is due in tonight, and wind chills could be a problem into Wednesday.
