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#ExtremeCold | #ReadyNH

"Exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and become life-threatening. Infants and elderly prople are most susceptible. Freezing temperatures can cause severe damage to persons and property. Pipes may freeze and burst in homes that are poorly insulated or without heat. Here in the north, extreme cold means temperatures well below zero.

Conditions that May Result from Extreme Cold

Hypothermia

Symptoms:
Shivering
Slurred speech or mumbling
Slow, shallow breathing
Weak pulse
Clumsiness or lack of coordinationg
Drowsiness or very low energy
Confusion or memory loss
Loss of consciousness
Bright res, cold skin (in infants)
First Aid Response
Danger! Call 9-1-1
Move out of the cold
Remove wet clothing
Cover the person with blankets
Watch breathing
Don't apply direct heat

Frostbite

Symptoms
Cold skin and a prickling feeling
Numbness
Red, white, bluish-white or grayish-yellow skin
Hard or waxy-looking skin
Clumsiness due to joint and muscle stiffness
Blistering after rewarming, in severe cases
First Aid Response
Protect the affected area from further cold
Don't walk on frostbitten feet
Seek medical help if you suspect deep frostbite or there is a loss of senstation to the affected area

Take Action Before a Cold Emergency:

Preparing for extreme cold can protect your family. There are steps you can take to make your home a better place to stay during periods of extreme cold.
Dress for the Cold:
Wear layers of loose-fitting and lightweight clothing. Trapped air between the layers will insulate you.

If doing strenuous outdoor activities, avoid wearing cotton. Once wet, cotton takes a long time to dry and will sap your heat. Use synthetic fabrics that wick moisture from your skin and dry quickly.
Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded.
Wear a hat, because 40%of your body heat can be lost from your head.
Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves.
Try to stay dry and out of the wind.

When Traveling:
Always prepare for the worst!

Your vehicle's winter survival kit should include warm clothes, boots, blankets, flashlight with extra batteries, candy bars or ceral bars.
Always carry a charged cell phone and tell others of your travel plans."

Source:
https://www.readynh.gov/disasters/extreme-cold

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