Severe Cold Weather Precautions
Written by Post Public Information Representative, Jan 8, 2010, 0 Comments
Courtesy Xochitl Mora,
Laredo, TX – With the National Weather Service forecasting extremely cold temperatures across the nation, including South Texas, the City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) would like to remind the public to take precautions against extreme cold.
All people should dress warmly and stay dry. Adults and children should wear: a hat, a scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth, mittens, water-resistant coat and shoes, and several layers of loosefitting clothing. Additionally, everyone should be eating well-balanced meals which will aid in keeping you warmer. Do not drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages—they cause your body to lose heat more rapidly.
All pet owners should provide adequate protection and shelter from the direct effect of wind, rain, or snow. Pets should not be left outdoors when the temperature drops drastically. In addition, all pet owners should monitor their pets and periodically change the animal’s food and water.
Serious health problems can result from prolonged exposure to the cold. The most common cold-related problems are hypothermia and frostbite. Hypothermia is abnormally low body temperature. Warning signs of hypothermia for adults include: shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Signs of hypothermia for infants are bright red cold skin and very low energy. Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite: a white or grayish-yellow skin area, skin that feels unusually firm or waxy, and numbness
Homes should be prepared for winter using proper forms of heating. If you plan to use a fireplace or space heater, be extremely careful. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. A smoke detector and a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector should be installed near any area to be heated. Test them monthly, and replace batteries twice yearly. Ensure that generators and automobiles have enough fuel. All water lines that run along exterior walls should be insulated so your water supply will be less likely to freeze.
