Wright County Emergency Management Has Tips For Dealing With Prolonged Cold Weather

Press release from the Wright County Government:

February 5, 2021

Wright County is going to be experiencing potential record-breaking cold over the next several days and Wright County Emergency Management has some precautions that residents should be aware of.

The Polar Vortex that is descending on Wright County is going to bring with it wind chills that will keep the “feels like” temperature below zero for days. The all-time record for consecutive hours with a wind chill below zero is 160 (more than six straight days) set in 1982. The previous record was 156 straight hours set in 1958, according to the National Weather Service.

Wright County Emergency Management said the worst wind chill values with be in the early morning hours of Saturday through Tuesday, with wind chills expected to be in the 25-35 degrees below zero range.

Wright County Emergency Management recommends the following:

• Minimize travel where possible
• Stay indoors during the worst period of extreme cold
• Keep a winter survival kit (https://www.ready.gov/kit) in your vehicle if you must travel
• Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster, etc. before traveling any distance
• Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts
• Check in on the elderly
• Bring pets inside
• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing and a hat
• Mittens snug at the wrist are better than gloves
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from the extreme cold
• Try to stay dry and out of the wind

Minnesotans pride themselves on their ability to withstand the brutal temperatures associated with the worst winter has to offer, but this current cold snap is nothing to mess around with. It will be over within a week and any precautions you can take to keep you and your family safe is advised as we ride the cold out together

This press release was produced by the Wright County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.