How to stay safe and warm this winter in Wisconsin.
If you’ve lived any amount of time in Wisconsin, you know winters can pose serious risks to the health and safety of residents.
Even if you’ve spent your entire life here, you’re not immune to the cold—no matter what you might think.
Whether you’re planning to hit the slopes this season, gearing up for a snowy Lambeau Field night, or just heading to your local supper club, here are some winter wellness tips to keep in mind throughout the season:
Prepare an emergency kit
According to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Wisconsin winters and winter storms can bring various risks. One way to be prepared is to have an emergency kit prepared in your home and vehicle.
Some recommended items to have in your emergency kit are non-perishable food items, water, flashlights and batteries, first-aid supplies, weather radio, and extra clothing and blankets.
By having a kit prepared in your home and car, you’ve got all your bases covered in case of an emergency.
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Dress and layer appropriately when outdoors
Wisconsin winters can bring extreme low temperatures causing frostbite or hypothermia in minutes to exposed skin. It’s important to be aware of the temperature before going outside.
If you’re headed to Lambeau Field for a Packer game, going for a stroll in your neighborhood, or anything in between, DHS advises using multiple layers of clothing, including a wind and water-resistant outer layer, and avoiding cotton as it holds moisture and causes chills faster.
It is also advised to wear sturdy, rubber-soled boots, or traction devices to reduce risk of slipping on ice.
Keep active
Even in the winter, staying active is important for physical and mental health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), regular physical activity has many benefits, including boosting immune function, improving strength, and more.
Some classic ways Wisconsinites stay active throughout the winter include hitting the slopes, going sledding, escaping the cold at a water park, or heading to a brewery to try out some new local brews.
Even a brisk walk, indoor workouts, or chores can help fight off the “winter blues.”
Pay attention to indoor air quality and ventilation
Using fireplaces, wood stoves, or space heaters can raise the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if not properly ventilated, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.
In the colder months, heating systems are working overtime. DHS recommends making sure heating and ventilation systems, including furnaces and vents, are regularly maintained and inspected throughout the season.
Be aware of cold-weather health risks
Even at temperatures above freezing, being exposed to moisture or cold and wind can cause your body to lose heat faster than it can produce it, leading to hypothermia, according to DHS.
Early signs include shivering, exhaustion, drowsiness, slurred speech, or memory loss. If these symptoms become apparent, move the individual indoors, remove wet clothing, and seek medical attention if needed.
Plan ahead for winter driving and transportation
DHS found that winter weather raises the risk of vehicle crashes and injury due to snow, ice, and poor visibility.
Make sure your vehicle is prepared for the winter with proper ties, windshield wipers, defroster, emergency kit, blanket, and ice scraper.
