News Release 

TOMPKINS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Frank Kruppa – Public Health Director
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:
Adam Hartwig, Preparedness Coordinator (274-6681) or Brenda Grinnell Crosby, Interim Public Health Director (274-6674)

Health Department Urges Residents to Take Precautions During Cold Weather

 
January 21, 2011 (Ithaca, N.Y.) — Temperatures are expected to be very cold this weekend, and Tompkins County Health Department is stressing that all residents take precautions to avoid exposure to extremely cold conditions which can lead to hypothermia.  Adam Hartwig, Preparedness Coordinator said, "hypothermia is a life-threatening condition that causes the body’s core temperature to drop. Warning signs of hypothermia in adults include shivering, confusion, memory loss, drowsiness, exhaustion and slurred speech. Infants who are suffering from hypothermia may appear to have very low energy and bright red, cold skin."

Frostbite is another cold weather concern, and is especially dangerous because it often happens with little warning. Numbness can occur so quickly that the individual, unaware of being frostbitten, may remain outside, increasing the chance of permanent damage. Older persons, and those with diabetes, are especially vulnerable to frostbite because of impaired circulation.  Snowmobilers, skiers and ice skaters should stop frequently to check exposed areas of their body for loss of feeling and other danger signs.

To prevent frostbite and hypothermia, it is important to dress warmly in windproof clothing and to go indoors when you begin to feel cold. Wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing to trap body heat. Fasten buttons or zippers and tighten drawstrings securely. Don’t forget gloves, mittens and a hat that covers the ears. Be aware of the effects of wind chill. As the speed of wind increases, it can carry heat away from the body faster. In high wind conditions, cold weather-related health problems are much more likely. Be sure the outer layer of clothing is tightly woven to reduce body-heat loss caused by wind.

Since cold weather puts an extra burden on the heart, if you have cardiac problems or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s orders about shoveling or performing any strenuous exercise outside. Even otherwise-healthy adults should remember that their bodies already are working overtime just to stay warm, and dress appropriately and work slowly when doing heavy outdoor chores.

Keep in mind that alcoholic beverages cause the body to lose heat more rapidly. If you will be spending time outside, do not ignore shivering - it is an important first sign that the body is losing heat and a signal to quickly return indoors.

Individuals who plan on using an alternative source of heat during extended power outages, such as a non-electric space heater, wood stove or fireplace, be sure to have adequate ventilation to the outside to prevent build-up of carbon monoxide inside your home. Never use a natural gas or propane stove or oven to heat your home. If you are using a generator as a temporary source of power, remember that the motor emits carbon monoxide.

In addition, when using alternative heat from a space heater, wood stove or fireplace, individuals should take precautions when handling or maintaining the heating source by using protective wear such as non flammable gloves and clothing. Adults must make sure that children and potentially flammable objects are kept a safe distance from the heating source and have an operable fire extinguisher available. Residents should install both carbon monoxide detectors and fire detectors throughout the home and test them periodically.

To keep water pipes from freezing in the home:

• Let faucets drip a little to avoid freezing;
• Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall; and
• Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.

Individuals and their families should be knowledgeable on how to shut off the water source to the home in the event that the pipes freeze and burst. This action will stop the water flow and help minimize the damage to the home. Residents who experience frozen or burst water pipes should contact a plumber and their insurance agent. Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch and be aware of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.

If someone you know — a friend, neighbor or relative — is elderly or dependent on life-sustaining or health-related equipment such as a ventilator, respirator or oxygen concentrator, check on them on a regular basis to further ensure their safety and well-being.

 

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