Extreme Cold/Freeze - A National Problem

Most of the United States is at risk for winter storms. Severe storms can cause dangerous or life-threatening conditions. The dangers include blinding wind-driven snow, extreme cold, ice road conditions, avalanches, and downed trees and power lines.

Exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening.  Infants and elderly people are most susceptible.  What constitutes extreme cold varies in different parts of the country.  In the South, near freezing temperatures are considered extreme cold.  Freezing temperatures can cause severe damage to citrus fruit crops and other vegetation.  Pipes may freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat.  In the North, extreme cold means temperatures well below zero.  It’s important to prepare before the winter storm season.

How Extreme Cold Affects The Body

• Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by extreme cold. A wind chill of -20° Fahrenheit (F) will cause frostbite in just 30 minutes.  Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose.  If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately! If you must wait for help, slowly warm affected areas.  However, if the person is also showing signs of hypothermia, warm the body core before the extremities.
• Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 95°F. it can kill.  For those who survive, there are likely to be lasting kidney, liver and pancreas problems.  Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion.  Take the person’s temperature.  If below 95°F, seek medical care immediately!
• If Medical Care is Not Available, warm the person slowly, starting with the body core. Warming the arms and legs first drives cold blood toward the heart and can lead to heart failure. If necessary, use your body heat to help. Get the person into dry clothing and wrap in a warm blanket covering the head and neck. Do not give the person alcohol, drugs, coffee or any hot beverage or food. Warm broth is the first food to offer.

Cold/Freeze Safety Tips

At Home and Work - Primary concerns are loss of heat, power and telephone service and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day.  Have available:Flashlight and extra batteries.

Battery-powered NOAA Weather - Radio and portable radio to receive emergency information. These may be your only links to the outside.Extra food and water. Have high energy food, such as dried fruit, nuts and granola bars, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration.Extra medicine and baby items.

First-aid supplies - Heating fuel. Refuel before you are empty. Fuel carriers may not reach you for days after a winter storm.Emergency heat source: fireplace, wood stove, space heater.

• Use properly to prevent a fire
• Ventilate properly.Fire extinguisher, smoke alarm
• Test smoke alarms once a month to ensure they work properly.Make sure pets have plenty of food, water, and shelter

Vehicle Travel

In Vehicles - Plan your travel and check the latest weather reports to avoid the storm! Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins. Carry a WINTER STORM SURVIVAL KIT:

• Mobile phone, charger, batteries
• Blankets/sleeping bags
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• First-aid kit
• Knife
• High-calorie, non-perishable food
• Extra clothing to keep dry
• Large empty can to use as emergency toilet.  Tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
• Small can and waterproof matches to melt snow for drinking water
• Sack of sand or cat litter for traction
• Shovel
• Windshield scraper and brush
• Tool kit
• Tow rope
• Battery booster cables
• Water container
• Compass and road maps
• Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines
• Avoid traveling alone.
• Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.