NOBLE Hospitals EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT UNIT TIPS FOR STAYING SAFE DURING THE STORM: These tips can help you and your family stay safe during the duration of the storm. --Stay indoors during the storm if possible. The strong wind and low temperatures will cause a very dangerous wind chill. --If you do go outside, protect yourself by dressing for the season, wearing several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing, rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Mittens are better than gloves. --Wear a hat, as most body heat is lost through the top of the head. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. --Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly. --Clear exhaust vents from Direct Vent Gas Furnace Systems to avoid Carbon Monoxide (CO) poisoning. Also, never run an automobile until the exhaust pipe has been cleared of snow. --If you lose your heat, seal off unused rooms by stuffing towels in the cracks under the doors. At night, cover windows with extra blankets or sheets. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat. --If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes, starting where they are most exposed to the cold. A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well. --Be careful when shoveling snow. Over-exertion can bring on a heart attack--a major cause of death in the winter. Watch for signs of frostbite: loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in the extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately. --Watch for signs of hypothermia: uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If symptoms are detected, get medical help, as soon as possible. --Call 2-1-1 for non-emergency storm-related questions. --Be a good neighbor. Check with elderly or relatives and neighbors who may need additional assistance to ensure their safety. --When the driving ban gets lifted, drive only if it is absolutely necessary. If you must drive: travel in the day; don’t travel alone; keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads and avoid back road shortcuts. STAY SAFE AND BE PREPARED
Posted on: Tue, 27 Jan 2015 15:18:59 +0000