GREEN BAY, WI -- Freezing cold conditions may close some schools and businesses when the wind chill is just right. But for many, the work must go on.
For those who had the holiday off Monday, it was difficult to enjoy it outdoors because of the dangerously cold temperatures that have settled on the region.
But others had to be outside Monday as "part of a day's work," and for them there's no room for error.
At Festival Foods, in Bellevue, "work never stops here--rain or shine, sub-zero temperatures," says shift manager Justin Ogren. "We've got to get the carts in. We've got to make sure that it's all salted out here."
On Monday, Ogren was ready to gear up and pitch in with corralling carts.
"We don't want a guest coming in, and not having a cart just because.. we thought it was too cold," adds Ogren.
Ogren says cart runners are told to take frequent breaks to avoid frostbite, which can happen in a matter of minutes in conditions that NE WI is currently experiencing.
"Layering is something that we tell all of our cart runners to do," adds Ogren.
Meanwhile, at Gene's Deep Rock full service gas station, in Green Bay, "we do pretty much everything here as far as pumping the gas, putting air in tires, washing windows, checking oil, putting oil in if they need it," says gas attendant Michael Lemens. "No one else really does that around here, especially when it's this cold out."
The frigid temps are a business opportunity for Lemens and his fellow employees, as more customers line up at the pump for special treatment.
"A lot more people come in when it's cold," says Lemens. "It's a nice surprise when they don't have to get out and pump their gas."
Experts warn that being safe outside tonight takes more than the right jacket.
Exposed skin can see frostbite in as little as 20 to 30 minutes, so layer up, wear your hats, cover up your face, and wear those mittens.
