Dangerously cold wind chills of 20, 30, and possibly even 40 below zero are expected in Dubuque, IA tonight and in Eastern Nebraska tomorrow evening.
Wind Chill Warning in Effect
The National Weather Service has put a Wind Chill Warning in effect in Eastern Nebraska for the next two days. A Wind Chill Warning means the combination of very cold air and the wind will create dangerously low wind chill values. Frostbite can occur quickly and even hypothermia or death if precautions are not taken. Wind chill temperatures reaching or exceeding locally defined warning criteria (typical value is -18°F or colder) is considered a Wind Chill Warning.
Tips to Prepare for a Wind Chill Warning
The best way to avoid unexpected issues during dangerous winter weather is to be prepared before the weather hits. Here are a few items you should have at home according to weather.gov:
- Extra flashlights and batteries
- A battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio or AM/FM portable radio
- Extra food and water (2-3 day supply)
- Extra medicine and baby items
- First aid supplies
- Emergency heating source
- Carbon monoxide detector
If you must go outside during the Wind Chill Warning, keep these tips in mind:
- Check temperatures and wind chill indicies first.
- Dress warmly, with several layers. Dress for the worst just in case.
- Use a warm coat, gloves or mittens, a hat, and water-resistant boots.
- Cover exposed skin as much as possible.
- Watch for frostbite on fingertips, earlobes, the nose, or toes.
- Avoid over-exertion. The cold already puts a strain on the body and heart.
ServiceOne's Simple Solutions for Extreme Winter Weather
- Schedule annual furnace maintenance if you haven't already. The worst time for your furnace to shutdown is during an emergency situation. Protect your family and make sure your furnace stays heating. Try keeping your thermostat at a modest temperature to reduce strain on your furnace.
- Keep your water pipes warm to prevent them from freezing and bursting. According to Consumer Reports, "the pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages". Keep garage doors closed, open cabinet doors to increase circulation, and allow cold water to drip from your faucet.
- Consider installing a Generac generator from ServiceOne. A generator will ensure that you have access to emergency backup electricity 24/7 so you can keep your residential or commercial property fully functional regardless of the weather.
- Read any number of our winter blogs to assist in further preparing yourself: The Dangers Of Snow & Ice On Outdoor Condensers & Furnace Vents; Extra Tips To Prepare Your Home For Winter; Your Home’s Winter Plumbing Checklist; Benefits of Home Automation In The Winter Months; The Benefits of Whole-Home Humidifiers For Midwestern Winters; & Preparing Your Home’s Plumbing For Colder Weather.
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For nearly 30 years ServiceOne has been your One Simple Solution in the Omaha/Council Bluffs metro area and in Dubuque, Iowa. With over 90 employees standing by ready to help, you can always trust us to deliver 100% satisfactory service during extreme winter weather.