MEMA PRESENTS EXTREME COLD WEATHER SAFETY TIPS

Framingham, MA – “As we continue to experience a colder than normal period of this winter season, with even lower temperatures in the forecast, we must take precautions to minimize the dangers presented by this extreme weather,” stated Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Stephen J. McGrail. “To that end, MEMA presents these tips.” 

·        Be aware of the weather conditions by monitoring the media.

·        Minimize outside activities, particularly the elderly and very young.  Also consider your pets.

·        Dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, rather than a single layer of heavy clothing.  Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.  Wear a hat, mittens and study waterproof boots, protecting your extremities.  Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.

·        Excessive exposure can lead to frostbite, which is damage to body tissue that is frozen.  Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, seek medical help immediately.  Slowly rewarm the affected areas as you await medical assistance.

·        Hypothermia can occur in extreme cases.  The warning signs are uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.  If the person’s temperature drops below 95 degrees, seek immediate medical care.  If medical assistance is not available, slowly warm up the person, body core first, wrapping them in a blanket or using your own body heat. Do not warm the extremities first, for this drives the cold blood towards the heart and can lead to heart failure.  Do not give the person alcohol, coffee, tea or any hot food or beverage.  Warm liquids are best.

·        If electricity is lost for an extended period of time, a snowbank in your yard can become a makeshift freezer for food.

·        Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity.

·        When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as your fireplace, wood stove or space heater, take the necessary safety precautions.  Keep a fire extinguisher handy, ensuring everyone knows how to use it properly. Test smoke alarms.

·        If you lose your heat, seal off unused rooms by stuffing towels in the cracks under the doors. At night, cover windows with extra blankets or sheets. Food provides the body with energy for producing its own heat.

·        Check with elderly or disabled relatives and neighbors to ensure their safety.

·        Allow a trickle of hot and cold water to run from a faucet that is farthest from your water meter or one that has frozen in the past.  This will keep the water moving so that it cannot freeze.  Learn how to shut off your water if a pipe bursts.

·        Have a well-stocked Winter Home Emergency supply kit that includes flashlights, portable radio, extra batteries, a first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food.