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AUGUSTA– The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention is offering tips on how to stay safe and healthy by being prepared for cold weather conditions.
Winter weather and cold temperatures can be hazardous — even for Mainers, the CDC said.
Hypothermia and frostbite are the two main health concerns when it comes to extremely cold weather. Hypothermia occurs when a person’s body temperature is too low and in serious cases, may lead to death. Frostbite is caused by the freezing or near freezing of a part of the body resulting in numbness, tingling, or a change in color (paleness, blue, and whitish); fingers, toes and the tips of the ears or nose are commonly affected areas.
Frostbite and hypothermia can both be avoided by remembering to wear layered clothing, as well as mittens, scarves, hats and proper footwear to reduce skin exposure. This is an important precaution to take, even if only outside briefly. If you suspect you might have hypothermia or frostbite, rewarm yourself slowly and seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Additional tips:
* Avoid prolonged outdoor activities.
* In the event of becoming stranded in a vehicle, make sure to have blankets, food, water and extra batteries.
* Prepare for power outages. If using an emergency generator, always operate it outdoors and away from any open window. Ensure you have working smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors.
* Do safety checks on elderly neighbors and those who are ill.
* Don’t forget pets. Do not leave a pet outside for extended periods of time.
* Individuals with medical or life support devices should have extra batteries for medical equipment and assistive devices. Notify your utility company, local fire or police department if you need assistance.
* For information on nearby warming shelters, call or text 211.
People with qualifying incomes may be eligible to receive assistance to pay for the cost of heating oil and propane. A local Community Action Program administers fuel assistance programs in each county. For more information, please call 211 Maine for a referral to a local CAP.
For more information on staying safe all winter long, visit emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/guide.asp, FEMA “Winter Storms and Extreme Cold”: www.ready.gov/winter-weather, Maine Emergency Management Agency: www.maine.gov/mema/prepare/, 211 Maine: www.211maine.org/,* Maine State Housing Authority for Energy Assistance: www.mainehousing.org/programs-services/energy
