Oswego County Offers Cold Weather Safety Tips

OSWEGO COUNTY – Severe cold temperatures are in the forecast for Central New York early next week, and the Oswego County Emergency Management Office and Health Department urge residents to take precautions while outside and in their homes.

“The coldest temperatures next week are likely to take place Monday and Tuesday, with wind chills as cold as 10 to 20 degrees below zero at times,” said Oswego County Emergency Management Office Director Cathleen Palmitesso. “This could lead to frostbite and hypothermia for those who are outside. People should also make sure their pets are protected against the cold.”

Frostbite is an injury to the body caused by freezing body tissue. Hypothermia is an abnormally low body temperature below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.

“People going outside should protect themselves against frostbite and hypothermia,” said Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor. “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.”

The county departments have put a new tool online to help residents find warm places to stay during severe weather. The warming center finder can be viewed at https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/1b361e923a724c50a0d4a09f1e202be5/.

“People should call the locations listed first to make sure they are open,” said Oswego County Emergency Management Coordinator Tyler Peet.

Organizations that would like to be added as a warming center can fill out a form on the health department’s website at https://health.oswegocounty.com/programs/1_emergency_preparedness/warming_centers.php.

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 insulate you. Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellant and hooded.
• Wear a hat, since much of your body heat can be lost from your head.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
• Mittens, 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,” Palmitesso said. “Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold. Check on the elderly people you know in your families or neighborhoods.”

Pet Safety:

“Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather,” Dunsmoor said. “Like people, cats and dogs 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, but small enough to hold in body heat.

“Wind chill can also threaten a pet’s life,” she 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 safety kits in their vehicles and check on their car’s tire pressure, anti-freeze levels and heater or defroster.

Indoor hazards of severe cold weather include frozen pipes, carbon monoxide and fire risks from using alternate sources of fuel to keep warm.

To stay safe indoors, Palmitesso urged people to follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

“Take extra steps to make sure you heat your home safely,” Palmitesso said. “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.
• Keep heat sources, like space heaters, at least 3 feet away from flammable materials, such as curtains, drapes, furniture or bedding. Do not cover your space heater.
• Never run space heaters unattended or leave a child unattended near a space heater.
• Never place a space heater on top of furniture or near water.
• 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.
• 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.

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.”

For more information on extreme cold safety, visit  www.Ready.gov.

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