MILWAUKEE — A Milwaukee organization, along with We Energies, is sharing resources and safety tips as wind chills hover around minus 15 Tuesday in southeast Wisconsin following a brutally cold start to the week.
The bitter cold comes as a winter weather advisory is in effect from 9 p.m. Tuesday through 6 a.m. Wednesday for Racine, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Walworth, Waukesha, and Jefferson counties.
In a release Tuesday, We Energies shared a list of safety tips and resources to help people keep themselves and their families safe as the bitter cold continues across the region.
Watch the latest forecast:
Let the sun in
Open curtains or blinds when the sun is out to help warm your home. Close them at night to help retain heat and cut down on drafts.
Prevent carbon monoxide dangers
Make sure carbon monoxide detectors are working properly and learn the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Some of the symptoms include:
- Sudden flu-like illness
- Dizziness, headache, confusion, sleepiness
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fluttering or throbbing heartbeat
- Unconsciousness
To prevent CO poisoning:
- Be alert for symptoms of CO poisoning.
- Install and maintain CO alarms and replace them every five to seven years.
- Never operate internal combustion engines indoors.
- Never use charcoal grills indoors.
- Have all fuel-burning appliances, flues, vents, and chimneys checked regularly.
CO alarms
Make sure your home is equipped with working CO alarms.
- In two-story homes, install at least one alarm on each level.
- For added safety, consider installing alarms in each bedroom.
- With basements, install alarm at the top of stairs.
- Change alarm batteries at the beginning of winter, then every six months.
- CO alarm life expectancy is around seven years. One that chirps intermittently every 30-60 seconds could be at the end of its life.
- Alarms that beep continuously could indicate CO is present. When it beeps without pause, get everyone out and call 911.
If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Get everyone out of the building and into fresh air immediately.
- Call 911 or emergency medical help.
Oven safety
Never use a stove or oven to heat your home. Not only is it inefficient, it could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.
Keep your meters clear
Safely brush away snow and ice from your home’s natural gas meter and vents. The extra weight can stress or crack meter piping, causing a natural gas leak. It also can clog appliance vents, trapping carbon monoxide indoors.
Space heater safety
Only use newer models with safety features like automatic shut-off. Keep space heaters at least 6 feet away from flammable materials like drapes or blankets. Plug heaters directly into the wall, not into extension cords or power strips. Place the heater on a flat surface away from children and pets.
Safe sleeping
Turn off electric blankets when they are not being used. Keep pets away from electric blankets, as their teeth and claws can puncture wire insulation and cause damage.
Heat your home efficiently
A few simple steps — such as sealing gaps around windows and doors, adjusting your thermostat and changing furnace filters — can keep homes cozy and energy bills down. Check out tips to manage your costs. [we-energies.com]
Energy assistance
We Energies said it offers numerous resources for customers — including budget billing, payment plans and heating assistance.
Warming shelters
Community organizations like The Milwaukee Coalition on Housing and Homelessness have provided a list of winter warming locations for those needing a warm place to stay.
Guest House of Milwaukee—1216 N 13th Street
Hours: Open 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. 11/24/25 through 3/30/26
Notes: This location admits men only.
Unity Lutheran Church–1025 E Oklahoma Avenue
Hours: Open 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. 11/24/25 through 3/30/26
Notes: This location admits single adults only.
Repairers of the Breach—1335 W Vliet Street
Hours: Open 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. 11/24/25 through 3/30/26
Notes: This location admits single adults only.
Joy House (Milwaukee Rescue Mission)-- 818 N 19th Street
Hours: Open 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. 11/24/25 through 3/30/26
Notes: This location only admits women and families. Call 414-344-3774 before visiting.
Milwaukee Rescue Mission—830 N 19th Street
Hours: Open 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. 11/24/25 through 3/30/26
Notes: This location admits men only. Call 414-935-0240 before visiting.
St. Ben’s Parish—930 W State Street
Hours: Open 7 p.m. - 7 a.m. 12/1/25 through 3/30/26
Locations and hours are subject to change. Please visit MCHH’s website to stay up-to-date.
You can visit their website by clicking here.
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