While a cold blast sweeps the Northeast and Midwest, Bloomington is under a cold weather advisory from 7 p.m. Sunday until 10 a.m. Wednesday. According to the National Weather Service, Monday’s high will be around 13 degrees, with a low of 6 degrees. On Tuesday, temperatures will dip down further, with a high near 11 degrees and a low of zero degrees.
The advisory said windchills as low as negative 20 degrees are possible, which could cause frostbite on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes. Here’s how to prepare to stay safe in the frigid temperatures:
Travel
Monroe County Emergency Management advises residents to be cautious while traveling. The NWS recommends people adjust schedules to avoid being outside during the coldest part of the day, typically early morning.
Drivers should keep their vehicle’s gas tank at least half full to stay warm if stranded. Keeping an emergency kit in the car, including a first aid kit, portable phone charging bank, jumper cables, spare tire and extra layers, is also advisable.
Dress
When going outside, it is important to wear layers, thick socks, mittens and something that covers your head. Covering your mouth can also protect your lungs from extreme cold.
Home
To stay safe at home during the cold, residents should be careful using alternative heat sources. Never plug electric heaters into power strips; it is a fire hazard. Additionally, if using indoor heaters, make sure you have a fully charged carbon monoxide monitor in the home.
Stay informed
For more information and up to date warnings and advisories, residents can refer to the Monroe County Emergency Management Facebook page or the NWS Indianapolis forecast office website. You can also sign up for the MCEME alerts here.
