After getting blasted with last night's winter storm, we now have extremely cold temps that we're facing.

Earlier today, Michigan State Police issued a warning about snow-covered roads and sub-zero temperatures forecasted for tonight.

It's going to get cold tonight and I mean really cold. We're going to see a low of -7 with but with the windchill it'll feel like-13. That's freaking cold as hell.

Even though most of us have dealt with weather like this our entire lives, it's still important that we're reminded of the dangers of freezing temps and hazardous road conditions.

Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division:

With the National Weather Service forecasting sub-zero temperatures, it’s important that Michiganders take steps to stay safe during this period of cold weather. If you must go outdoors or have to travel, be sure to dress appropriately and have an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle.

Tips to stay safe during cold weather:

  • Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, wear layers of warm clothing. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
  • Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and color around the face, fingers and toes, numbness, white or grayish-yellow skin, firm or waxy skin.
  • Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness.
  • Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.
  • Reduce the risk of a heart attack. Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow.
  • Check on neighbors. Older adults and young children are more at risk in extreme cold.
  • Pets are also at risk for cold-weather injuries and should be kept indoors.

Winter driving tips:

  • Check the weather before leaving for a destination. If the weather forecast looks dangerous, consider rescheduling or postponing the trip.
  • Do not crowd snowplows. Give snowplow drivers plenty of room to clear snow from the roads.
  • Keep tires at the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure and routinely check tire pressure during cold weather.
  • Make sure the windshield solvent reservoir is full and check the condition of all wiper blades and replace when necessary.
  • Wash your vehicle for better visibility to other drivers. Remove ice and snow from all lights, windows and license plate before driving.
  • Keep an emergency preparedness kit in your vehicle stocked with batteries, battery powered or hand-crank radio, flashlight, windshield scraper, jumper cables, shovel, blankets, first aid kit, non-perishable food and bottled water in the event you get stranded or stuck.

I'm so guilty of not keep the right amount of air in my tires. Every time the temp drops below freezing my warning light comes on. I'm simply lazy and don't want to deal with the cold. I should probably not do that anymore.

 

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