Extreme Cold

Exposure to extreme cold can be very dangerous. There are two common injuries associated with extreme cold weather; Hypothermia and Frostbite.

Signs of Hypothermia

• A body temperature of 95 degrees or less
• Redness or blueness of skin
• Numbness accompanied by shivering
• Later stages include:

  Slurred Speech
  Unpredictable Behavior
  Listlessness

Treatment of Hypothermia

• Call 9-1-1
• Remove wet clothing if applicable
• Wrap victim in warm blanket making sure to cover head and feet
• Protect victim additional adverse weather
• Provide warm, sweet drinks and food to conscious victims. Do not offer alcohol or massage.
• Place unconscious in recovery (fetal)position
• Place victim in warm bath if conscious
• Do not let victim walk around even if they appear ok

Signs of Frostbite

• Frostbite occurs on areas of the skin exposed to freezing or below freezing temperatures or wind chill and extremities if they are not covered
• Coldness, stiffness and a prickly sensation of skin
• Hardness of skin
• Bluish-white discoloration of the affected areas

Treatment of Frostbite

• Transport victim to a shelter ASAP
• Remove clothing and jewelry from affected areas
• Warm frostbitten areas with skin to skin contact
• DO NOT massage area vigorously
• Elevate affected areas above the heart to ease pain and swelling
• Seek professional  medical attention as soon as possible

Winter Storms

To prepare for winter storms:

• Complete a family disaster plan and assemble a disaster supply kit
• Have extra blankets on hand
• Ensure that every member of your household has a warm coat, water-resistant boots, hat and gloves
• Listen to local TV or radio or NOA weather radio for storm bulletins

A WATCH indicates that conditions exist for a winter storm:

• Listen to local TV, the weather channel, local radio or NOAA weather radio for updates
• Be alert to changing weather conditions

A WARNING indicates that a winter storm is heading our way:

• Stay indoors during the storm
• If you must go outdoors, several layers of lightweight clothing will keep you warmer than a heavy coat
• Gloves or mittens and a hat will prevent loss of body heat
• Stay out of the wind because it carries heat away from the body, driving down body temperature
• Avoid wind chill – which combines the cooling effect of the wind and cold temperatures

After the storm:

• Walk carefully on snowy, icy sidewalks
• When shoveling avoid overexertion and take frequent breaks
• Continue listening to NOAA radio, local radio or TV for updated information
• Help neighbors or others who may need assistance
• Avoid driving until conditions improve

If you must travel by car:

• Carry a disaster supply kit
• Keep car gas tank full to avoid gas line freeze
• Let someone know your route , destination and expected arrival time in case you get stuck

If you do get stuck:

• Stay with your car; do not try to walk to safety
• Tie a brightly colored ( red) cloth to your antenna for rescuers to see
• Start the car and use the heater for about 10 minutes every hour
• Keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up into the car
• Leave the overhead light on when the engine is running so you can be seen
• When sitting keep moving your arms and legs to improve circulation and stay warm
• Keep one window away form the blowing snow open to let in air