Feeling Like Winter

11/18/2019 (Permalink)

Winter storms have already been in full swing for the season and it technically isn't even "Winter" until December 21st! Are you prepared for the months ahead? According to the National Weather Service, $2.84 million dollars of property damage was caused by extreme cold in 2015. Even scarier? Fifty-three people died and three were injured due to extreme cold the same year. It is important to be aware of the effect extremely cold temperatures can have on you. The two main conditions to be aware of are frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite is caused when your skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. Physical symptoms are white or grayish-yellow skin, skin that feels unusually firm, or waxy numbness. Hypothermia is when your body temperature falls to an abnormally low temperature, caused from long exposure to cold weather. Signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. If someone’s body temperature is below 95°F, seek medical attention immediately. To avoid these conditions, stay indoors if possible. If not, dress warm in layers and try to keep dry.

While keeping warm in your home make sure that your furnace has been inspected and is operating properly. If you are heating with wood make sure your flue is clean to avoid a flue fire. Make sure you have smoke detectors and have changed the batteries.