BURLINGTON, Vt. (WCAX) – Temperatures in the single digits and frigid wind chill could catch up to you quickly if you’re not prepared. We have tips to keep you safe.
The WCAX team was supposed to be jumping into the lake on Saturday for the Penguin Plunge, but the forecast had other plans.
Local emergency officials say the choice to reschedule is wise as we head into another freezing weekend.
Burlington will open its emergency cold weather shelter Saturday and Sunday nights to protect Vermonters experiencing homelessness from the cold.
When the shelter is closed, or not everyone can get in, but the Burlington fire department says they get more calls for help.
On a weekend like this, even those with a warm place to stay can end up in a bind.
Burlington’s assistant fire marshal says crews are no strangers to calls from people who thought they could handle the chill but wound up in a dangerous situation.
“We’ve had to go and help them off the ice or take them out of an event or get them warmed up, so it happens. People always try to dance with the devil, and it doesn’t always work out well for them,” said Phil Edgerley of the Burlington Fire Department.
To stay safe, limit your and your pets’ time outside.
If you choose to go outside, layer up. With windchills potentially reaching negative 4 degrees this weekend, frostbite can set in in as little as ten minutes.
Our weather team warns to keep an eye out for any of these symptoms, which can indicate frostbite or hypothermia.
If you think you’re in danger, find warmth or call 9-1-1 for help.
