Deep Cold Coming To Rockland: Protect Yourself, Family

ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY — Arctic air is bringing very cold weather to Rockland County for the next several days, with temps in the teens at night and wind chills 15 degrees lower. SEE: New Hazardous Weather Outlook Issued For The Hudson Valley.

"Older adults, infants, and young children, people with disabilities, and persons taking medication for chronic health conditions are especially at risk from the cold," said County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Ruppert.

County officials sent out some tips for residents that cover conditions both inside and out.

Outdoors:

• If you must go outside, make it as brief as possible. Dress warmly in windproof clothing and 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.
• Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat.
• If you are spending time outside, do not ignore shivering - it is an important first sign that your body is losing heat and a signal to quickly return indoors.
• Keep in mind that alcoholic beverages cause the body to lose heat more rapidly.
• Older adults are especially susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. People who have older relatives or neighbors should keep an eye on them during the cold winter months.
• If possible, avoid driving during a winter weather event, as even small amounts of snow and ice can make traveling on roads extremely dangerous. Stock your car with a seasonal emergency kit which includes blankets to keep warm, non-perishable foods and fresh water, a first aid kit, cat litter or sand in case you need traction, jumper cables, flares and a tire pump, maps and a compass, and a stash of plastic bags, and a battery-powered radio, flashlight, and an extra supply of batteries.
• Before you get in the driver's seat and hit the road, check to be sure that your vehicle's tailpipe is clear of snow. If the tailpipe is blocked, carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless, and deadly gas produced by your engine can build up quickly inside your vehicle, poisoning anyone inside.
• Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack - a major cause of death in the winter. Use caution, take breaks, push the snow instead of lifting it when possible, and lift lighter loads. If you have heart problems, high blood pressure, or other medical conditions, follow your doctor's orders about shoveling snow or performing any strenuous exercise outside. Even healthy adults should remember that their bodies already are working overtime to stay warm, and should dress appropriately and work slowly when doing heavy outdoor chores.

Indoors:

• The World Health Organization recommends keeping indoor temperatures between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for healthy people. The minimum temperature should be kept above 68 degrees Fahrenheit to protect the very young, the older adults, or people with health problems.
• If you need to use an alternate heating source such as a fireplace or wood-burning stove, be sure to have adequate ventilation to the outside. Without enough fresh air, carbon monoxide fumes can build up in your home and cause sickness or even death. Keep children away from all heaters to avoid accidental burns. Never use a stove or fireplace unless it is properly installed and vented.
• Never use a natural gas or propane stove/oven to heat your home.
• Residents with heat-related problems may contact the Health Department at (845) 364-2585.

"If you have at-risk friends, neighbors, or relatives, check in on them periodically," Dr. Ruppert said.

There are places where people can get warm if conditions get too bad at home. Check out this long list of warming centers in Rockland communities.