The Facts About Wind Chill
A Wind Chill Watch means the there is the potential for a combination of very cold air and strong winds to create dangerously low wind chill values. Look for services similar to these in your town and follow the precautions outlined below.
- Timing … Coldest wind chills late Saturday night through Sunday morning 13-14 February.
- Wind chill – as low as around 25 below zero due to temperatures 0 to 5 below zero. Winds northwest 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 40 mph.
- The frigid conditions will be extremely dangerous to those venturing outside. Prolonged exposure will cause frostbite. The combination of very low wind chills and frigid air temperatures have the potential to result in frozen pipes, frostbite and hypothermia.
Precautionary/preparedness Actions
- Stay indoors as much as possible and limit your exposure to the cold
- Never venture outdoors without wearing gloves, a hat and several layers of clothing. Wind chill values late saturday night into sunday morning could lead to frostbite in less than 30 minutes if proper precautions are not taken.
- Dress in layers and keep dry
- Know the symptoms of cold-related health issues such as frostbite and hypothermia and seek medical attention if health conditions are severe.
- Never use a stove or oven to heat your home or use an open flame to melt frozen pipes. Many house fires result from these practices.
- Never run a gasoline or propane heater inside your home or an unventilated garage. Any heating system that burns fuel will produce carbon monoxide. Make sure you have a working carbon monoxide detector.
- Check tire pressure and your car battery, and keep the fuel tank above half full. Be sure your car has a winter safety emergency kit that includes an ice scraper, blanket, flashlight, warm clothes and gloves in case your car breaks down or becomes stranded.
- Run water at a trickle and keep cabinet doors open to prevent pipes from freezing.
- Check on elderly and vulnerable family, friends, and neighbors who are at risk and may need additional assistance
Find more information and tips on staying safe in winter weather and extreme cold temperatures at http://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.