Cold Weather Expected in Door County

Looking at the 10-day weather forecast is enough to make your toes feel cold. Monday’s expected high is -5, the low -11. The wind chill could make that temperature feel as low as -40 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Door County Emergency Services director Anthony Luchini said it will be the coldest stretch of weather Door County has seen in 18 years.

Wisconsin Emergency Management, part of the Department of Military Affairs, released a list of safety tips for cold weather. Here are some highlights, including tips from Luchini:

• Have an emergency kit in your car that includes candles, matches, a flashlight, a pocket knife, snacks, a cell phone adapter, a blanket and extra clothing.

• If you go outdoors, wear appropriate warm clothing to prevent hypothermia and frostbite. Frostbite can happen in 10 minutes of exposure, and symptoms include a loss of feeling, white or pale appearance in the fingers, toes, ear tips and nose. Warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, disorientation, slurred speech and drowsiness.

• Make sure you have working carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Don’t run a gasoline or propane heater or any type of grill inside your home, and don’t run a car in an enclosed space. Don’t run generators inside the home or garage, or right next to windows or doors. Symptoms of overexposure to carbon monoxide include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea and confusion.

• Bring pets indoors and keep them away from salt and antifreeze.

• Stay hydrated. While hot chocolate, coffee and tea are traditional cold weather beverages, make sure to drink enough water to avoid dehydration. Dehydration symptoms include dry mouth, skin and eyes, confusion and cardiac episodes.

In the event of a power outage local emergency dispatches will set up warming shelters.