MILWAUKEE, Wis. (CBS 58) -- The City of Milwaukee Health Department in partnership with the Milwaukee County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) and the National Weather Service (NWS), has issued a Cold Weather Health Advisory for Milwaukee County.

The advisory goes into effect from 9:00 p.m. on Sat. Jan. 19th, through 9:00 p.m. on Mon. Jan. 20th. 

The health dept. says bitterly cold temperatures and wind chills as low as -27F are expected during this period, posing significant health risks, including frostbite and hypothermia.

People are urged to take the following precautions: 

• Limit Time Outdoors: Prolonged exposure to wind chills can cause frostbite on exposed skin within minutes.
• Dress Warmly: Wear multiple layers of clothing, along with gloves, hats, and scarves.
• Monitor Health Risks:
• Frostbite symptoms include numbness, tingling, and discoloration of the skin.
• Hypothermia symptoms include shivering, confusion, and slurred speech.
• Check in on Others: Reach out to neighbors and family who may need assistance staying warm. Call 2-1-1 for information on warming locations.
• Access Warming Locations:  If you or someone you know needs a warm place to go during the upcoming cold snap, dial 2-1-1 or visit IMPACT 2-1-1’s website.

Additionally, the Milwaukee County Department of Health and Human Services will be opening Marcia P. Coggs Human Services Center as a daytime warming site to anyone in need on Monday, January 20 and Tuesday, January 21 from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.

The center is located at 1220 W. Vliet St. You may enter through the 13th Street entrance.

Other precautions include: 

• Protect Pets: Ensure pets are indoors or in a sheltered, warm space with access to water.
• Prepare for Emergencies: Keep extra supplies like blankets, food, and water in your vehicle and home in case of an emergency.
• Use Heat Safely: Only use approved indoor heating devices to avoid the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning.

You can find more on winter weather safety on the health department's website.

City officials continue to encourage everyone to take the Cold Weather Health Advisory seriously and prioritize their health and safety during this period of extreme cold.