"Subfreezing temperatures put everyone at risk:" Racine County officials encourage folks to stay safe

RACINE COUNTY (WITI) -- The Racine County Office of Emergency Management would like to remind Racine County residents to take these frigid temperatures seriously and to avoid exposure to the cold.

“These subfreezing temperatures put everyone at risk. If you need to be outdoors, please take some extra precautions to stay safe during this time," County Executive Peter Hansen said.

Low temperatures, coupled with even moderate wind, can make common outdoor activities life threatening, even for those appropriately dressed for the outdoors. Exposed areas such as the nose and ears can freeze within 30 seconds with a wind chill factor of negative 30 degrees.

Half of all cold related injuries and deaths occur among healthy, adequately clothed individuals involved in outdoors sports.  Especially hazardous are open areas such as lakes and fields, where winds can build.

Life-threatening hypothermia can develop rapidly, especially if a person is wet or damp. Shivering is the first sign of hypothermia. As hypothermia progresses, lack of coordination, slurred speech, confusion and drowsiness can occur.

During cold weather, you should:

You can find more information and tips on being ready for winter weather and extreme cold temperatures at http://www.readyracineco.com/hazards.html.