FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 20, 2025

City of Milwaukee Health Department Upgrades Extreme Cold Health Advisory to Health Warning. People Urged to Take Precautions as Dangerously Cold Temperatures Worsen.

MILWAUKEE – The City of Milwaukee Health Department (MHD), in partnership with the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the National Weather Service (NWS), has issued an Extreme Cold Health Warning for Milwaukee County. The health warning is in effect from 3am through 12pm tomorrow (January 21). The current health advisory remains in effect until the health warning begins at 3am.

Bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills as low as -32F are expected during this period, posing significant health risks, including frostbite and hypothermia. Individuals are urged to take the following precautions to stay safe:

• Limit Time Outdoors: Prolonged exposure to wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 15 to 25 minutes with wind chills of 25 to 35 degrees below zero.
   
• Dress Warmly: Wear multiple layers of clothing, along with gloves, hats, and scarves.
   
• Monitor Health Risks:
  • Frostbite symptoms include numbness, tingling, and discoloration of the skin.
  • Hypothermia symptoms include shivering, confusion, and slurred speech.
• Check in on Others: Reach out to neighbors and family who may need assistance staying warm. Call 2-1-1 for information on warming locations.
• Access Warming Locations: If you or someone you know needs a warm place to go dial 2-1-1 or visit IMPACT 2-1-1’s website.
  • Emergency Day Shelter: Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services has opened Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center as a daytime warming site to anyone in need today (January 20), and tomorrow, Tuesday, January 21 from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM. The center is located at 1220 W. Vliet St., Milwaukee, WI, 53205. Please use the 13th Street entrance.
• Protect Pets: Ensure pets are indoors or in a sheltered, warm space with access to water.
• Prepare for Emergencies: Keep extra supplies like blankets, food, and water in your vehicle and home in case of an emergency.
• Use Heat Safely: Only use approved indoor heating devices to avoid the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

For additional information on winter weather safety, visit milwaukee.gov/coldweathersafety.

MHD and OEM encourages everyone to take this Extreme Cold Health Warning seriously and prioritize their health and safety during this period of extreme cold.

###