Hartford – In extreme cold
temperatures, exposed
skin can become frost bitten in just a matter of minutes. When the
extreme cold hits, it is important you do what you can to stay warm. Here are some things you
can
do to help beat the
cold:
• Dress in
layers. This helps
keep you insulated
and
lets you take off or add more layers of
clothing as needed. Wear many layers
of loose-fitting clothing and stay dry.
• Cover your skin.
When the
wind chill brings
the temperature well below
zero,
be sure to cover your skin. In extreme cold,
skin exposed to the cold air can get
frostbite in just a few minutes. If you
have to go
outside, cover your skink by wearing a hat,
scarf, mittens, sleeves that
are snug at
the
wrist, boots, etc.
• Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Beverages
with alcohol and caffeine actually make your body lose heat more quickly.
Drink
hot, sweetened beverages to help you stay
warm.
• Perform your work during the warmest part of the day. People who work outside should do so during the warmest part
of
the day, if possible.
• Take frequent breaks from the cold. If you
have to
be outside, take frequent breaks
in warm, dry shelters to let
your body warm
up.
• Know the signs
of frostbite and hypothermia. Know
how to recognize cold
illness and when to get medical treatment right away.
• Make sure infants
stay warm. Infants
under one year old should not sleep in cold bedrooms because they lose body heat more easily and are unable to shiver to keep
themselves warm. Keep them properly clothed and
indoors in warm temperatures.
• Check on elderly neighbors and family members. People over the age of 65 often are less
active and have lower metabolisms,
making them lose
body heat more quickly.
Make
sure that the temperature in their home is
adequate to
keep them warm.
• Use portable generators safely. Exhaust
from portable generators
and outdoor grills contain carbon
monoxide, which can kill
you. Do not bring outdoor grilling
devices inside the home
for cooking or warmth.
Opening windows and
doors, and operating fans
is not sufficient to prevent the buildup
of CO
in a home.