01/22/2026
Please read this Barron County Sheriff's Department post. Dangerously cold weather. Please be careful outside.
DEADLY TEMPERATURES AHEAD
When It’s –20°F Outside: The Decisions That Matter Most
When temperatures drop to –20°F, extreme cold becomes a serious safety issue—not just an inconvenience. At these temperatures, minor problems can quickly turn into emergencies. The following actions help reduce risk and prevent avoidable incidents.
Limit travel whenever possible
Vehicle breakdowns are far more common in extreme cold, and being stranded can quickly become life-threatening. Emergency response times may also increase due to road conditions and call volume, making unnecessary travel a risk.
Protect heat, water, and power inside your home
Keep indoor temperatures steady, even overnight. Open cabinet doors on exterior walls and allow faucets to drip slightly to help prevent frozen pipes and costly water damage.
Plan for power outages differently in extreme cold
Homes lose heat rapidly at –20°F, and reliance on electric heat or medical devices increases risk. If your emergency plan depends entirely on electricity, identify safe backup options now.
Reduce carbon monoxide risks
Never use grills, generators, or propane heaters indoors or in garages. Keep furnace and dryer vents clear of snow and ice, and make sure carbon monoxide detectors are installed and working properly.
Check on vulnerable neighbors
Older adults, people living alone, and families with young children may need assistance during prolonged cold. A quick check-in can prevent a serious situation.
Know when cold becomes a medical emergency
Frostbite and hypothermia can develop quickly at these temperatures, even without heavy snowfall. Wind chill significantly increases risk, and alcohol use can make cold exposure more dangerous.
Extreme cold does not require panic, but it does require smart, intentional decisions. Preparedness during severe temperatures is simply taking steps today that prevent emergencies tomorrow.
Please use caution - these temperatures will be deadly
Mike Judy, Director
Office of Emergency Management
Barron County Sheriff's Department
[email protected]
