FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 18, 2025

City of Milwaukee Health Department Issues Cold Weather Health Advisory People Urged to Take Precautions as Dangerously Cold Temperatures Approach

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 a Cold Weather Health Advisory for Milwaukee County. The health advisory is in effect from 9pm tomorrow (January 19) through 9pm Monday (January 20).

Bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills as low as -27F 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 within minutes.
   
• 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 during the upcoming cold snap, dial 2-1-1 or visit IMPACT 2-1-1’s website. Additionally, the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services will be opening Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center as a daytime warming site to anyone in need on Monday, January 20 and 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 https://city.milwaukee.gov/Health/Information/coldweathersafety.

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

###