With dangerously cold temperatures and wind chills reaching -60 degrees possible tonight, Northfield Police Chief Monte Nelson and Deputy Chief Mark Dukatz warn the public to stay inside. Don’t travel unless it’s necessary. It affects how First Responders do THEIR jobs. Nelson said that something as simple as a fall can be much more serious as they lay on cold cement. They don’t want to move the person who may have broken bones or a head injury. They need to find blankets and jackets to cover them. “It adds a whole other level of danger”. Frostbite
can set in within 5 minutes in these temperatures. Duke says if you do go out and have an issue, stay in your car. Unless you can see a place, don’t wander off, especially in an unfamiliar area. Make sure your cell phone is charged when you leave the house. Don’t let your gas go below half a tank because if you do go off the road you can at least stay warm in your vehicle. Be sure to keep the exhaust pipe open, however. Keep a blanket in the car and as for your phone, realize that the cold weather will suck battery power very quickly. As for your pets, there are many who house their dogs outside. Nelson says what works in zero temperature doesn’t work in this. Bring them into a garage or make sure they’re shelter outside truly is adequate. They both added that you must be careful with what you use to heat the areas. Fire Departments are busy this time of year. Nelson said, “it’s a whole different level of danger for the firefighters. They are more housefires during the cold months. People are plugging things in to that may not have used before or putting them in places to keep pipes from freezing and something gets started on fire”. In addition, a WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY is in effect from now through 6 tonight because of limited visibilities due to strong winds blowing snow around. Bottom line is stay home and stay warm. Additionally we just received a press release with further tips for pets and people! Cold Weather Warning – 01.29.19_HC
