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How to Survive Extreme Cold

 

Severe winter storms can cause widespread damage and disruption. Taking preventative actions is your best defense. Listen to weather forecast regularly, and check your emergency supplies before a predicted period of extreme cold-weather.

 


Prepare Your Home to Protect Your Family

There are steps you can take to make your home a better place to stay during the coldest of temperatures:

  • Winterize your home by insulating walls and attics, caulking and weather-stripping doors and windows, and installing storm windows or covering windows with plastic film from the inside to keep warmth in.
  • Insulate pipes with faucet covers or wrap with towels and duct tape. Allow faucets to drip a little during cold weather to avoid freezing.
  • Detach garden hoses and drain sprinkler water lines or well lines before the first freeze.
  • Show family members the location of your main water valve and learn how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts). Mark the valve so you can find it quickly.
  • Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected every year.
  • Keep fire extinguishers on hand, and install a smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector near the area heated. House fires and carbon monoxide poisoning pose an additional risk as more people turn to alternate heating sources without taking the necessary safety precautions.
  • Hire a contractor to check the structural ability of the roof. Clean rain gutters and repair roof leaks.
  • Remove dead tree branches since they break easily.

 

 

Here are some guidelines of how to best handle extremely cold weather:

  • Maintain adequate food and water intake. Food provides the body with the energy for producing its own heat.
  • Remain indoors if possible. If you go out, dress with layered, wind-resistant clothing, a hat, and gloves or mittens to protect yourself against frostbite.
  • Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
  • If you must perform work outside, take frequent breaks to warm up and avoid overexertion.
  • Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another de-icing compound. Walk carefully on snowy, icy, walkways.
  • Drive only if it is absolutely necessary. Travel during day and keeps other informed of your schedule.
  • Check on family, friends, and neighbors who are alone and do not have a reliable heat source.
  • Never leave children or pets alone in closed vehicles.
Watch for Cold-Related Illnesses
 

Condition

Symptoms

First Aid Response

FROSTBITE – damage to body tissue

v  Cold, numb skin swells and feels hard or waxy feel

v  Loss of sensation at the affected area. Absence of pain.

v  White or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of nose

v  Severe or deep frostbite can cause blistering and hardening

v  Protect skin from further exposure.

v  Get out of the cold if you can.

v  If there’s any chance the affected areas will freeze again, do NOT thaw the area.

v  Do NOT walk on frostbitten feet or toes if possible

v  Do NOT use frostbitten digits

v  Get emergency medical help as soon as possible

HYPOTHERMIA – condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95°F

v  Shivering

v  Slurred speech

v  Abnormally slow breathing

v  Cold, pale skin

v  Loss of coordination

v  Fatigue, lethargy or apathy

v  Confusion or memory loss

v  Call 911 or emergency medical assistance. Monitor the person’s breathing.

v  Move the person out of the cold.

v  Remove wet clothing and replace with dry ones.

v  Do NOT apply direct heat, such as hot water, a heating pad, or heating lamp to warm the victim. Instead, apply warm compresses to the center of the body – head, neck, chest wall, and groin.

v  Do NOT give the person alcohol. Offer warm nonalcoholic drinks, unless the person is vomiting.

v  Do NOT massage or rub the person.