Washburn County Health Department

01/23/2026

⚠️ Avoid going outdoors if possible during extreme cold conditions.
If you must be outdoors, dress in layers and know how to spot the differences between hypothermia and frostbite. 🧣🧤🧥🥾

01/22/2026

Cold isn't only uncomfortable, it can be dangerous--even deadly! In fact, since October 2025, Wisconsin has had 20 cold-related deaths. That's why it's so important to take care of yourself and your loved ones during this cold snap.
❄ If you have to go out, dress in layers and cover your hands, feet, face, and ears to prevent .
❄ Know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and get help immediately.
❄ your home safely and make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke alarms are working.
❄ Check on family, friends, and neighbors. Make sure they're staying warm and safe.
❄ Don't forget . If it's too cold for you, it's too cold for them.
❄ Make sure the emergency kit in your vehicle includes exta clothes, boots, blankets, a flashlight with extra batteries, food and water.
❄ Always carry a charged cell phone and tell others of your travel plans.
➡Find more ways to stay safe and healthy in cold weather at www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/climate/winter-weather.htm
ReadyWisconsin

01/22/2026

This year’s Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month’s theme is “Treatment Works! Find the Path that Works for You.” Help spread the word, visit the toolkit here: samhsa.gov/treatment

01/21/2026

Home heating is the second leading cause of home fires, and winter is when most home fires happen. Download the free Home Fire Safety Guide from the U.S. Fire Administration for ways to keep your home safe from fires - usfa.fema.gov/downloads/pdf/publications/home-fire-safety-poster-brochure.pdf

01/19/2026

In Wisconsin, help is 3 numbers away.
🔵 211 - Information and community services
🟡 988 - Su***de & crisis lifeline
🔴 911 - Emergencies

01/18/2026

Prevent frostbite and hypothermia by bundling up and staying dry. Learn the signs of frostbite and hypothermia and how to protect yourself from the cold at https://www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/about/index.html

01/16/2026

A recall to tell you about.
If you have Live it Up Super Greens supplement powders in your house – whether original or wild berry – check the expiration dates. Following a multi-state Salmonella outbreak, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued a recall for powders with expiration dates from August 2026 to January 2028, Don’t eat or drink. Instead, throw them away or return them to the store.
➡ Get details: dhs.wi.gov/news
➡ Keep up with the investigation: dhs.wisconsin.gov/outbreaks/index.htm

01/15/2026

Is your winter emergency car kit stocked and updated?🚗
Include the following items:
✔️ Flashlight & jumper cables
✔️ Warm clothes, snow boots, & blankets
✔️ Phone charger

Is your winter emergency car kit stocked and updated?🚗

Include the following items:
✔️ Flashlight & jumper cables
✔️ Warm clothes, snow boots, & blankets
✔️ Phone charger

01/10/2026

Planning an ice fishing day?🐟 Be sure to stay safe on the ice. Remember, if the ice is 2" thick or less, stay off. Have a fun and safe season!

For more information on ice safety, visit https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/Education/OutdoorSkills/IceSafety

01/09/2026

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services announced yesterday (January 8, 2026) that no changes will be made to Wisconsin vaccine recommendations that protect Wisconsinites from preventable diseases. To review the full news release, visit the link below.

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) continues to recommend the evidence-based childhood vaccine schedule published by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and has issued guidance to Wisconsin health care providers affirming the recommendations.

01/08/2026

Walking on ice is dangerous and can cause serious falls on driveways, steps, and porches. Use rock salt or sand to melt the ice on driveways and sidewalks. If walking on ice can’t be avoided, walk like a penguin!
🐧Bend slightly and point your feet out – this increases your center of gravity
🐧Stay flat-footed
🐧Take small steps or shuffle your feet
🐧Keep your arms out to your sides to help with balance.