[emo-news] Cold Weather Safety Tips

[Emergency Management News - Norwich, NY]

SEMO
OFFERS EXTREME COLD WEATHER SAFETY TIPS
 
With arctic-like
temperatures and oppressive wind chills forecast to hover over the State
tonight through Saturday, the New York State Emergency Management Office urges
New Yorkers to follow these safety tips to protect themselves, their families
and their loved ones from freezing conditions. 
 
Sub-zero conditions over
several days can cause problems such as frozen water pipes and even dangerous
situations, especially when care is not taken with heating equipment such as
alternative heating sources such as woodstoves, fireplaces and kerosene
heaters.  Fire hazards are greatly increased in the winter because
alternate heating sources often are used without following proper safety
precautions.
 
Minimize
outside activities, particularly the elderly and the very
young.  Also, don’t forget to take care of your pets.
 
Check on
neighbors, especially those who are elderly, physically
handicapped or infirmed.
 
Pay
attention to the news for official, up-to-date information on
weather conditions.  The best way to receive emergency information is by
subscribing to NY-ALERT, the State’s alert and notification system, at www.nyalert.gov.
 
Dress
appropriately by wearing loose, lightweight, warm clothing in
several layers.  Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent
and hooded.  Always wear a hat or cap on your head.  Cover your mouth
with a scarf to protect your lungs from extreme cold.  Mittens, snug at
the wrist, are better than gloves because fingers maintain more warmth when
they touch each other.
 
Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, especially in children
and the elderly.  Watch for the following symptoms: inability to
concentrate, poor coordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, exhaustion, and/or
uncontrollable shivering, following by a sudden lack of shivering.  If a
person’s body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, get emergency
medical assistance immediately.  Remove wet clothing, wrap the victim in
warm blankets, and give warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids until help
arrives.
 
Frostbite can occur when working or playing outdoors during the winter.  In the
early stages of frostbite, there is no pain.  Watch for danger signs: skin
may feel numb and become flushed, and then turn white or grayish-yellow;
frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch.  If frostbite is suspected, move
the victim to a warm area.  Cover the affected area with something warm
and dry.  Never rub it!  Get to a doctor or hospital as quickly as
possible.
 
Prevent
pipes from freezing by turning on both hot and cold water
faucets slightly, preferably in a basement sink – running water will not
freeze as quickly.  Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to
non-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall.  If you
plan to leave your residence, drain and shut off the water system (except
indoor sprinkler systems).
 
If your
pipes burst, make sure you and your family knows how to shut
off the water.  Stopping water flow minimizes damage to your home. 
Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent.  Never try to thaw a pipe
with an open flame or torch.  Always be careful of the potential for
electric shock in and around standing water.
 
If you
should lose power, turn off or unplug lights and appliances
to prevent a circuit overload when service is restored.  Leave one light
on to indicate power has been restored.  Make sure fuel space heaters are
used with proper ventilation.  Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed
as much as possible to help reduce food spoilage.
 
Carbon
monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly killer claiming about
1,000 lives each year in the United States .  Such common items as
automotive exhaust, home heating systems and obstructed chimneys can produce
the colorless, odorless gas.  The gas can also be produced by poorly
vented generators, kerosene heaters, gas grills and other items used for
cooking and heating when used improperly during the winter months. 
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include sleepiness, headaches and
dizziness.  If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, ventilate the area
and get to a hospital immediately.
 
When
using a generator, never run it indoors.  Deadly carbon
monoxide gas from the generators exhaust can spread throughout enclosed
spaces.  Run generators outside, downwind of structures.  Install a
carbon monoxide detector.  Keep children away from generators at all
times.
 
When
using a kerosene heater, follow the manufacturers’
instructions.  Use only the correct fuel for your unit.  Refuel
outdoors only when the unit is cool.  When using the heater, use fire
safeguards and ventilate properly.
 
Stock up
on emergency supplies, including flashlights, a portable,
battery-operated radio, extra batteries, bottled water, non-perishable food,
and a first aid kit.
 
Make
sure your automobile is properly winterized.  Keep the
gas tank at least half-full.  Keep the following items in your car: blankets,
extra clothing, flashlight, spare batteries, windshield scraper, shovel,
towrope, and jumper cables.
 
 
#####
 
A. Wesley Jones, Director
Norwich Emergency Management
One City Plaza, Norwich, NY 13815
(607) 334-1299
(607) 336-2080 (fax)
http://www.norwichnewyork.net/emergency 
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