If your community is facing temperatures below zero with dangerous wind chills, here are 10 ways for you to stay safe during this latest blast of winter: 1. Listen to local news outlets and follow the advice of your local officials. Emergency operations are activated in several states. Go to a designated public shelter if your home loses power or heat during this extreme cold. 2. Many roadways are still snow-covered and strong winds will cause drifting snow in some areas. Avoid driving if possible. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle. 3. Wear layers of lightweight clothing to stay warm. Gloves and a hat will help prevent losing body heat. If you are shivering, go indoors. Shivering is a sign that you are losing body heat. 4. Be careful when shoveling snow. Cold weather puts extra strain on your heart. 5. Check on your neighbors, especially elderly people living alone, people with disabilities and children. 6. Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms of hypothermia, including confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. 7. Watch for symptoms of frostbite, including numbness, flushed gray, white, blue or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or waxy feeling skin. 8. Don’t forget your pets – bring them indoors. If they can’t come inside, make sure they have enough shelter to keep them warm and that they can get to unfrozen water. 9. Keep the thermostat at the same temperature day and night to help avoid freezing pipes. Run water, even at a trickle, to help prevent them from freezing. Open the kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children. Keep the garage doors closed if there are water lines in the garage. 10. Download the Red Cross First Aid App for quick, expert advice on what to do in case of an emergency. This free app is available on the Apple iTunes or Google Play stores.
Posted on: Sat, 25 Jan 2014 01:00:42 +0000
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