Thursday, February 21, 2019

Be ready for winter chills

Winter 2019 has been record-breaking. Remember that deadly polar vortex that froze much of the Midwest in January? Chicago felt a wind chill of 51 degrees below zero. Brrr!

There’s almost a month of winter still left. This week’s storm that blanketed the mid-Atlantic with snow and ice and shut down the federal government in the Washington, D.C., area was a timely reminder that winter isn’t over. As temperatures drop, be aware that winter chills can bring cold weather injuries and emergencies.

One risk is frostbite. It can occur when you are exposed to extreme cold. It causes your body tissues to become frozen, and can even damage your muscles and bones. The first signs of frostbite are redness, pain and numbness.

If you recognize the symptoms, seek medical care. Go to a warm room. Remove wet clothes and soak in warm water. Do not walk on frostbitten toes or rub your skin. You can cause more damage!

You might also be at risk of hypothermia if you spend a long time in very cold weather. It happens when your body loses more heat than it can produce and leads to a lower body temperature. Symptoms are shivering, confusion, memory loss and slurred speech.

Take your temperature if you notice signs of hypothermia. If it’s below 95 degrees, get emergency medical attention right away. If medical help isn’t available, follow the same steps for frostbite. Start by warming the center of the body — chest, groin, neck and head. Warm, non-alcoholic beverages can help increase body temperature.

You can take steps to prevent cold-related injuries by dressing the right way for the weather.  Cover your skin, including your face, hands, ears and neck. Wearing layers, gloves, a hat and sturdy boots will help keep you warm.

Be a good neighbor and help others get ready. People who are homeless are most in danger of cold-related injuries. You can help by donating warm blankets, clothes and other emergency supplies to your local shelter.

Don’t let arctic winds freeze you in your steps and keep you from being prepared. Stay warm and safe!

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