A bystander found Jolene Waldref, a 49-year-old mother of two from South Milwaukee, lying in the snow at a bus stop, not breathing, after a private ambulance crew had driven past without seeing her. The crew later blamed snowbanks, an electrical box, and darkness for not spotting her. Questions have been raised about why the bystander could see Waldref but the EMTs in the ambulance could not. The president of Curtis Ambulance stated that the EMTs interviewed "did their due diligence," but the bystander believes they should have properly checked the intersection, especially in freezing temperatures. Experts suggest that first responders should use all senses to find a patient, especially in extreme weather conditions.
A deadly landslide in southwestern Yunnan, China has left at least 20 people dead and dozens missing after burying 18 homes and residents in two villages. Rescue workers are racing against time in subzero temperatures to find survivors, with Chinese President Xi Jinping ordering "all-out" rescue efforts. The disaster, which struck during the early hours of Monday morning, has prompted a massive response from hundreds of rescue workers, including soldiers, in the mountainous region known for its steep rugged mountains covered with snow in winter.
Amid subzero temperatures, migrants at Chicago's "landing zone" were relocated to a temporary warming center in the basement of the Harold Washington Library, with thin clothing and wind-burnt skin due to the extreme cold. The number of migrants awaiting shelter has decreased, and the city has offered a temporary extension on its 60-day limit at migrant shelters to avoid evicting new arrivals into the dangerous cold. Governor JB Pritzker has urged Texas Governor Greg Abbott to pause busing migrants amid the winter storm, as the city faces frigid temperatures and harsh weather conditions.
As subzero temperatures approach, utilities in Central Indiana are warning about potential power outages and frozen pipes. Tips include preparing an emergency storm kit, reporting outages immediately, and using approved fuel-burning space heaters indoors. To prevent frozen pipes, homeowners are advised to insulate pipes, keep faucets dripping, and know the location of the water shut-off valve.
