Winter Weather Awareness Week

As winter weather returns to the Northwoods, Lincoln County Emergency Management (LCEM) is urging residents to take time this week to prepare for the season ahead. Winter Weather Awareness Week, observed Nov. 17–21, 2025, serves as an annual reminder that early preparation strengthens community resilience and keeps families safe when conditions deteriorate.
“Lincoln County has always been at its best when we look out for one another,” said Tyler Verhasselt, Director of LCEM. “Winter storms test all of us, but preparation starts at home — checking on neighbors, updating supplies, and staying aware of changing conditions. Those simple actions help keep our entire community safe and connected throughout the season.”
Each year, Wisconsin experiences thousands of weather-related crashes and an increase in cold-related emergencies such as frostbite, hypothermia, slips and falls, and carbon monoxide incidents. The National Weather Service (NWS) encourages residents to monitor local forecasts closely, as conditions can change quickly across northern Wisconsin.
Cold exposure poses particular risks for older adults, children, outdoor workers, and individuals living in inadequately heated homes. LCEM emphasizes the importance of stocking emergency supplies, preparing homes for extreme cold, and knowing where to seek assistance.
“When temperatures drop, we see just how quickly cold weather can escalate into a real emergency for our residents,” Verhasselt said. “Preparation is one of the most effective tools we have. By checking your heat sources, updating your emergency supplies, and planning ahead, you help prevent avoidable 911 calls and ensure our first responders can focus on the most urgent needs during extreme weather.”

Simple ways to prepare for winter weather

LCEM encourages residents to take a few practical steps during Winter Weather Awareness Week:
• Stay Informed: Monitor forecasts from the NWS and sign-up for alerts on your mobile device. NOTE: The NWS has updated and consolidated several cold-weather alerts for 2025. LCEM will explain what these new terms mean in their daily social media posts so residents know exactly how to respond.
• Update Your Home Emergency Kit: Include water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, chargers, medications, warm clothing, and a working carbon monoxide detector.
• Dress for Conditions: Layer clothing, cover exposed skin, and choose insulated, waterproof footwear.

• Winterize Your Vehicle and Build a Car Kit: Pack blankets, a shovel, traction material, jumper cables, snacks, and a phone charger. Check travel conditions at 511wi.gov before leaving home.
• Prepare Your Home for Extreme Cold: Service furnaces, insulate pipes, seal drafty windows and doors, and ensure all heating sources are safe and properly ventilated.
For more winter weather preparedness information, visit ReadyWisconsin at readywisconsin.wi.gov, Ready.gov winter weather at ready.gov/winter-weather, and Wisconsin DHS winter weather at dhs.wisconsin.gov/climate/winter-weather.htm and also follow LCEM on Facebook and LinkedIn.