Dodge County Emergency Management Officials Warn Residents Of Cold Weather Hazards

(Juneau) With the temperatures dropping this weekend, Dodge County Emergency Management Officials are warning residents of the potential hazards they could face. The predominant dangers in cold weather are hypothermia and frostbite. Emergency Management Director Amy Nehls says frostbite can occur on exposed skin in less than 10 minutes. Symptoms can include a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in the hands or feet. More severe signs include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. Nehls encourages citizens to limit their time outside and to let someone know if you are going out and when you plan on returning. She also suggests packing a winter emergency kit with items such as a flashlight, pocket knife, a cell phone adapter, a blanket and extra clothing. With colder temperatures, there is also an increased risk of carbon monoxide poisoning with furnaces, fireplaces and other home heating devices working overtime. Nehls says make sure residents have a working carbon monoxide detector and to never run a car in an unventilated garage as well as running generators at a safe distance from the home.