Be Careful During Dangerous Cold Spell: Fire Officials

From Anne Arundel County: The region is expected to experience its first night of subfreezing temperatures combined with gusty winds tonight, resulting in wind chills in the low teens.

The Anne Arundel County Fire Department encourages residents to exercise caution during cold temperatures. Whether inside or outside, cold weather can be dangerous to those who are not prepared to deal with it.

While hypothermia generally occurs at very cold temperatures, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says that it can happen even at cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

It is important to know the warning signs of hypothermia and what to do if you notice those signs.

Warnings Signs of Hypothermia

Adults:

• Body temperature below 95 degrees
• Uncontrollable shivering
• Exhaustion
• Confusion, fumbling hands
• Memory loss, disorientation
• Incoherence, slurred speech
• Drowsiness

Infants:

• Bright red, cold skin
• Very low energy

Advanced hypothermia (decreased core body temperature) is usually accompanied by stiffness, excessive shivering, confusion, slurred speech, numbness or a weak pulse. Watch for the stumbles, mumbles, fumbles and grumbles which show changes in motor coordination and levels of consciousness. Symptoms of frostbite (skin damage due to cold temperatures) include gradual numbness, pale or purple skin, hard (wooden) skin, or tingling or burning in the affected area. If you or someone you know may be suffering from hypothermia or frostbite.
If someone is suffering from hypothermia, contact your local emergency services get medical attention immediately and begin warming the person until help arrives.

Children, the elderly and people with poor circulatory systems are at particular risk for hypothermia or frostbite. The Department of Health offers the following tips to help residents cope with winter conditions when outside:

• Layer your clothing; it gives more flexibility and control over how warm you stay. Avoid cotton clothing for winter activities.
• Prepare for the unexpected. Most problems with hypothermia occur because of a sudden change in the weather or temperature.
• Wear a warm hat. As much as 50 of body heat is lost through the head.
• Avoid getting wet when the temperature dips.
• Wear waterproof boots or shoes to keep your feet dry.
• Drink plenty of water. Avoid nicotine, caffeine and alcohol.

According to the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA), half of all home heating fires occur in December, January, and February. So now is the time to make sure your home heating device is safe before the weather turns bitter cold. Follow these USFA heating tips to maintain a fire-safe home this winter.

• Keep anything that can burn at least three (3) feet from all heat sources including fireplaces, wood stoves, radiators, space heaters or candles.
• Never use an oven to heat your home.
• Maintain heating equipment and chimneys by having them cleaned and inspected annually by a qualified professional.

Image via Pixabay