BROWN COUNTY, WI (WTAQ) – With extreme wind chills expected to reach as low as 40 to 55 degrees below zero, Brown County has declared a weather emergency for Wednesday.
Most services and businesses across the county will be limited, while critical county service departments such as the sheriff’s office, 911, Highway, Medical Services/CTC, Emergency Services, Airport, and other offices will stay open.
Officials say the public should keep a few things in mind.
First of all, don’t leave the house unless it’s completely necessary.
If you do get in the car, bring with a few extra items in case you become stranded.
“Extra gloves, boots, because a lot of us don’t even think about it we just throw on our shoes,” says Jerad Preston, Director of Brown County Emergency Management.
He notes that you don’t want to get stuck out in this extreme weather with just tennis shoes and a possible lack of layers.
There are some other items to throw in the car too.
“Having some kitty litter so you can have some extra traction if you do happen to get stuck,” he says.
Other items to have packed include blankets, a shovel, and jumper cables.
Also, emptying the junk drawer at home and making sure you have essential items for a home emergency kit is important.
Some of the items included in a home emergency kit might include a flashlight, batteries, a first aid kit, and a weather radio.
It’s vital to have a working carbon monoxide detector in your home and that can be found for under $30 at some area retailers.
Generators should be run at a safe distance from the home, which is generally at least 20 feet.
Extreme cold is dangerous for animals too and outdoor time should be limited for household pets.
Know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia, which include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, and slurred speech.
Wisconsinites are used to the cold, but these conditions are beyond what a lot of people have ever experienced before in their lifetime.
“A lot of people haven’t either been exposed to this or don’t remember what it’s like to be exposed to this,” says Preston.
Officials hope people realize the gravity of this situation and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
“These are some of the most extreme temperatures that Northeast Wisconsin has seen in almost twenty years,” he explains.
