OSWEGO COUNTY – With extreme cold and dangerously low wind chills forecast for this weekend, Oswego County Emergency Management and the Oswego County Health Department are urging people to take precautions both while outside and in their homes.
“Dangerously cold wind chill values are forecast for late Thursday night into early Saturday morning,” Oswego County Emergency Management Director Cathleen Palmitesso said. “Oswego County could see wind chill values between 29 to 42 degrees below zero. This could lead to frostbite and hypothermia for people who are outside. Indoor hazards include frozen pipes, carbon monoxide and fire risks from using alternate sources of fuel to keep warm. People should also make sure their pets are protected against the cold.”
Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor added, “People going outside should protect themselves against frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is an injury to the body caused by freezing body tissue. Fingers, toes, ear lobes and the tip of the nose are most susceptible. Symptoms of frostbite include a loss of feeling in the extremity and a white or pale appearance. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms appear. The area affected should be re-warmed slowly.”
Hypothermia is abnormally low body temperature (below 95 degrees Fahrenheit). Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. “Medical attention is needed immediately with these symptoms,” Dunsmoor said.
The National Weather Service offers these tips on how to dress during cold weather:
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Trapped air between the layers will provide insulation. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellant and hooded.
- Wear a hat, as much of your body heat can be lost from your head.
- Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
- Mittens that are snug at the wrist are better than gloves.
- Try to stay dry and out of the wind.
“People should stay out of the cold as much as possible,” Dunsmoor added. “Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold. Check on the elderly you know in your families or neighborhoods.”
Pet Safety
“Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather,” Palmitesso said. “Like people, they are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia.”
If pets must be outside, make sure they are protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough for them to move comfortably, yet small enough to hold in body heat.
“Wind chill can also threaten a pet’s life,” Palmitesso added. “Exposed skin on noses, ears, and paw pads are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps. Short-haired dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater.”
Home Safety
Before the extreme cold hits, people should check on their winter survival kits in their vehicles and check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, the heater and defroster.
To stay safe indoors, Palmitesso urges people to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
“Take extra steps to make sure you heat your home safely,” said Palmitesso. “If you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace or space heater, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order.”
The CDC also offers these tips:
- Use electric space heaters with automatic shut-off switches and non-glowing elements. Make sure to keep them away from any flammable materials, like curtains or blankets.
- Use fireplaces, wood stoves or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not leak gas from the flue or exhaust into the indoor air space.
- Have your heating system serviced by a qualified technician every year.
- Do not burn paper in a fireplace.
- Make sure you have proper ventilation if you must use a kerosene heater.
- Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use – don’t use a substitute.
- Keep heat sources, like space heaters, at least three feet away from drapes, furniture, or bedding. Never cover your space heater.
- Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
- Never leave children unattended near a space heater.
- Make sure that the cord of an electric space heater is not a tripping hazard, but do not run the cord under carpets or rugs.
- Avoid using extension cords to plug in your space heater.
- If your space heater has a damaged electrical cord or produces sparks, do not use it.
Extreme cold can also cause water pipes in your home to freeze and sometimes rupture or break.
“Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously,” Palmitesso said. “Leave cabinet doors beneath the kitchen and bathroom sinks open to allow heated air to reach pipes. If they do freeze, do not thaw them with a torch. Thaw pipes slowly with warm air from an electric hair dryer.”
For more information on extreme cold safety tips, visit www.Ready.gov.
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