11 Ways to Stay Safe During Snow & Cold in Kenosha, Racine and Walworth Counties or Find A Warming Center

As winter snow and cold comes to Kenosha, Racine, and Walworth Counties in Wisconsin, it’s super important to get ready. Pillar Health and Kenosha Community Health Center have some tips to help you stay safe and warm.

1. Check the Weather: Always look at the weather forecast on websites like Weather.gov or your favorite weather app. This way, you’ll know when the cold and snow is coming.
2. Change Your Routine: Try not to be outside in the early morning hours when it’s coldest. If kids have to wait for the bus, find a warm place for them.
3. Look After Pets and Your Home: Make sure your pets and farm animals have enough food and water and aren’t too cold. Protect your house too, like preventing your pipes from freezing.
4. Keep Your Car Ready: Fill up your car’s gas tank halfway or more when it’s really cold. This helps if you get stuck in the snow and need to stay warm.
5. Dress Right: Wear layers when you go outside. Start with a layer close to your skin that keeps moisture away, like wool or synthetic fabrics. Then add a layer for warmth, like fleece or down. The top layer should be waterproof to keep out wind and snow. Don’t wear cotton because it gets wet and cold.
6. For kids, layers are important too. They need thick socks, waterproof boots, mittens (easier than gloves), and a warm hat. In a car seat, don’t put a thick jacket on them. Instead, use thin layers and maybe a blanket over the seatbelt. Use sunscreen and sunglasses even in winter. If kids get sweaty or their clothes are wet, you might need to remove a layer.
7. Get Your Home Ready: Make sure your home is well-insulated. Have an emergency kit with food, water, warm clothes, and a first aid kit. If the power goes out, have a safe way to heat your home, like a fireplace. If using a portable heater, keep a window cracked open to help avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Mare sure smoke alarms and and carbon monoxide detectors are working.
8. Help Others: Check on neighbors, especially if they’re older, disabled, or alone. Know where your local community centers or shelters are in case they’re needed.
9. Stay Informed: Keep up with local news for weather updates and emergency info. Use social media and community networks to stay in touch with others.
10. Health Tips: Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Drink enough water because you can get dehydrated in cold weather too.
11. Car Survival Kit: Have things like jumper cables, flashlights, a first aid kit, food, water, a basic toolkit, pet supplies, a radio, cat litter or sand for traction, a shovel, an ice scraper, extra clothes, warmers, blankets or sleeping bags, and a charged cell phone in your car.

By following these tips, you will be safer during cold and snowy weather. Preparation is key! Stay warm and safe!