WISCONSIN (NBC 26) -- With record-breaking cold temperatures this winter, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) remind people to take precautions to be safe and stay warm this winter.
Last winter, 75 people died from exposure to cold across Wisconsin, according to DHS. The department says this was significantly higher than average from the past few winters.
“Freezing temperatures, wind chill, and winter storms create unsafe conditions and can cause frostbite, hypothermia, and even death,” said Dr. Jonathan Meiman, a Chief Medical Officer in the Division of Public Health. “The best way to stay safe during extreme cold is to be prepared.”
They say those at a higher risk include older adults, those who drink alcohol, and people who stay outside for long periods of time such as the homeless, hunters and hikers.
DHS advises people to create a home emergency kit, winterize your vehicle, dress in layers, and know the signs of hypothermia.
For a home emergency kit they specify including items like food and water, a cell phone and charger, flashlight with extra batteries, first aid supplies, any important medications, a weather radio, and a change of clothes.
Just like your home needing an emergency kit, your car does, too. Winterizing your vehicle means to pack items like blankets, snacks and water, a shovel, jumper cables, and either sand or cat litter to help you out of a stuck patch. A helpful tip they give in addition is to keep your gas tank at least half full.
As a reminder, they say if you have to venture out to make sure you dress in several loose-fitting layers that cover all exposed skin. They say wear a hat, mittens, and snow boots as well as use a scarf to cover your mouth and face area.
Lastly they ask people know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia, which is a condition that causes your body to lose heat faster than it can produce. DHS says general warning signs include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, and slurred speech which can all look like someone is intoxicated.
You can find more of their cold weather health and safety tips on hypothermia by CLICKING HERE.
