As temperatures dip to dangerous levels today, wind chills can take a serious toll on your body. Warming shelters for the homeless and emergency room doctors are collectively warning everyone who goes outside to take precautions.
The temperature on your thermostat might say 4 degrees, but when the wind starts pushing it actually feels like negative 12 out here and that news has prompted action.
When it get's this cold, most in northeast Wisconsin know to bundle up.
"Most of the time people in this area are pretty savvy with the weather," says emergency room physician Kerry Ahrens at the Baycare Clinic.
But when it just takes a quick trip into the elements to get frost bite, everyone should use caution.
"Depending if they're wet and if there is a cold wind blowing, it could be as soon as 10 minutes (outside)," adds Dr. Ahrens.
At the St. John's homeless shelter in Green Bay, they’re using caution too.
"Making sure that they're prepared heading into the elements and that we're watching to make sure they are safe as they return from the elements," says Executive Director Alexia Wood of the St. John’s Homeless Shelter.
Wood and her staff are helping to ensure that their guests are prepared before they step outside.
"I'd say hand warmers is our greatest need at this point.... We make sure they are equipped with layers of clothing and hats and gloves, warm winter boots that sort of thing," adds Wood.
Because when you are in the business of serving others, you truly do have to take all of the elements into perspective to ensure your clients are taken care of.
Many shelters are predominately staffed by retired folks and when it does get this cold outside, it can be difficult to keep those shifts filled. If you want to help ensure that everyone is taken care of this winter reach out to your nearest warming shelter to find out what you can do to help.
