FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2008
Contact: George Miller, Manager/Health Officer, Oakland County Health Division
(248) 858-1410
Extreme temperature drops can pose serious health risks. Oakland County Health Division is urging people to take precautions against extreme cold during winter months.
Frostbite and hypothermia are serious conditions that can occur from cold exposure. In addition, dangerous levels of carbon monoxide can cause risks when alternative heating sources are used to warm homes.
"Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, as are people with diabetes because of impaired circulation. Although anyone can be affected by cold weather if precautions are not taken," states George Miller, Manager/Health Officer, Oakland County Health Division.
Maintain Warm Homes
Set the thermostat at 65 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, especially in homes where people over age 65 reside. Homes with infants or individuals age 75 or older should maintain inside temperatures of 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Safe Heating
Never operate a generator, grill, camp stove or similar device indoors.
Adequately ventilate to the outside when using a non-electric space heater, wood stove or fireplace.
Never use a natural gas or propane stove/oven to heat a home.
Use the proper fuel type for heating devices.
Place space heaters far away from fire hazards such as drapes, furniture, or bedding. Never cover a space heater. Never place a space heater on furniture or near water.
Run cords from electric space heaters under carpets/rugs or tape down to eliminate tripping hazards.
Install a battery operated Carbon Monoxide detector in the home.
Dress Warm and Stay Dry
Wear a hat or knit mask and scarf; sleeves that are snug at the wrist; mittens (they are warmer than gloves); and several layers of loose-fitting clothing.
Dress infants less than one year old in warm clothes even when indoors.
Outer layers of clothing should be tightly woven, preferably wind resistant. Wool, silk, or polypropylene fabrics hold more body heat than cotton.
Stay dry—Remove extra layers of clothing when too warm to decrease sweating. Wear water-resistant coats and boots.
Other Tips
Avoid exertion while shoveling , snowblowing or exercising outside if you have cardiac problems or high blood pressure. Even healthy adults should remember that the body is already working overtime just to stay warm.
Keep steps and walkways free of ice to prevent falls.
Refrain from alchoholic beverages.
Avoid getting gasoline or alcohol on skin while de-icing and fueling cars, snow blowers, etc. Contact with the skin can greatly increase heat loss from the body.
Frostbite and hypothermia can be lessoned if recognized early. Shivering is a good indicator that the body is beginning to lose heat. Frostbitten skin is hard, pale and numb. When frostbitten skin is exposed to warm air, it will become red and painful. Very severe frostbite can cause blisters, gangrene and tissue damage.
For more information, call Oakland County Health Divison’s Nurse on Call at 1-800-848-5533.
