Take Precautions During Severe Cold This Weekend

by Contributor | January 23, 2026 10:18 am

OSWEGO COUNTY – A dangerously cold air mass arriving Friday will bring temperatures in the teens across the region Friday and single digits to near zero east of Lake Ontario on Saturday.

“The National Weather Service (NWS) is forecasting extreme cold through the weekend and into next week,” said Tyler Peet, deputy director of the Oswego County Emergency Management Office. “People should take precautions to protect themselves.”

NWS offers these tips on dressing during cold weather:

• Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing. Trapped air between the layers will provide added insulation.
• Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellant and hooded.
• Wear a hat as most body heat can be lost from the head.
• Cover the mouth to protect lungs from extreme cold.
• Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better at retaining heat than gloves.
• Try to stay dry and out of the wind.

Oswego County Public Health Director Vera Dunsmoor advised that severe cold could lead to frostbite and hypothermia for people who are outside for extended periods.

“Fingers, toes, ear lobes and the tip of the nose are most susceptible to frostbite,” she said. “Symptoms include a loss of feeling in the extremity and a white or pale appearance.”

Hypothermia is abnormally low body temperature (below 95 degrees Fahrenheit). Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech and drowsiness.

“Seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms appear,” Dunsmoor said. “Frostbite is actually a type of burn and may need to be treated at a burn center, depending on the severity. With either condition, the extremity or the body’s core should be re-warmed slowly. Also avoid alcohol or caffeine to prevent shock or other issues.

“Don’t forget to check on the elderly in your families or neighborhoods, if you can,” she added.

Warming Centers

Oswego County maintains a list of warming centers for people in need during extreme cold weather. It includes public facilities such as libraries, community centers and schools that provide temporary shelter for people to get out of the weather.

“Warming centers are especially important for vulnerable populations such as older adults and children,” Peet said. “Just call the location first to make sure it is open before you head out.”

Click here[1] for the County’s warming center location finder map.

Organizations that would like to be added as a warming center can fill out a form on the Oswego County Health Department’s website at https://health.oswegocountyny.gov/programs/1_emergency_preparedness/warming_centers.php[2].

Pet Safety

Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather because, like people, they are also susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. If they must be outside, make sure they are protected by a dry shelter large enough for them to move comfortably, but small enough to hold in body heat.

“Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps,” said Dunsmoor. “Short-haired pets may be more comfortable in a sweater.”

Car Safety

Before extreme cold hits, people should assess winter safety kits in their vehicles. Also check tire pressure, antifreeze levels, heater/defroster functions and make sure it’s in good general running condition to avoid getting stranded.

Power Outages and Heating

During extreme cold, power outages can be dangerous without safe heating. Never use grills, camp stoves, generators or propane heaters inside as they can produce deadly carbon monoxide.

“Freezing temperatures increase the likelihood of significant power outages which, in turn, increases the chance of fires or carbon monoxide poisoning due to improper heater or generator use,” said Oswego County Fire Coordinator Shane Laws. “For safety, keep generators outside, at least 20 feet from the home, and use appropriate extension cords to power indoor appliances.

“If you lose power, use only safe heating sources, dress in layers, use blankets to stay warm, and close off unused rooms,” he added. “If you cannot keep your home safely heated, consider going to a warming center or another heated location.”

Be sure to also follow fire safety and prevention tips for heating the home, especially while using alternate sources of heat such as wood stoves or electric heaters. Click here[3] to see more safety tips issued by Laws earlier this week.

Pipe Bursts

Extreme cold can also cause water pipes to freeze or burst, especially in poorly heated areas of a home. People are advised to call ‘911’ if a pipe bursts and causes significant flooding or threatens electrical systems or other utilities. However, for minor leaks or frozen pipes without immediate danger, they can contact their plumber or water provider.

More information on extreme cold safety tips is available from www.Ready.gov[4].

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/take-precautions-during-severe-cold-this-weekend/

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