January 27, 2003
Greene County Combined Health District’s Health Commissioner, Mark McDonnell, and The Greene County Safe Communities Coalition share Winter Safety Tips with county residents.
Winter Storm Reminders: A
major winter storm can be lethal. Preparing for cold weather conditions and
responding to them effectively can reduce the dangers caused by winter storms.
Before the
storm: Be familiar with winter storm warning messages; have rock salt on hand to
melt walkways; make sure you have sufficient heating fuel; have disaster
supplies on hand, in case the power goes out (flashlight, batteries,
battery-operated radio, first aid kit; one-week supply of food (food that does
not require refrigeration or cooking), non electric can opener, one week supply
of essential prescription medications, extra blankets and sleeping bags, fire
extinguisher (A-B-C type); install smoke detectors; keep water pipes from
freezing (wrap pipes in insulation or newspapers, let faucets drip a little to
avoid freezing, know how to shut off water valves); and develop an emergency
communication plan (have a family plan in place).
During the storm: If indoors: stay indoors and dress warmly; conserve fuel and listen to radio to television to get the latest information. If outdoors: dress warmly; stretch before you go out (exercise warms up the body); cover your mouth; avoid overexertion; watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia; and keep dry.
Understanding Frostbite and Hypothermia: Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can permanently damage its victims. A loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, or nose and ear lobes are symptoms of frostbite. Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms include: uncontrollable shivering; slow speech; memory lapses; frequent stumbling; drowsiness and exhaustion.
If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person’s trunk first. Use your own body heat to help. Arms and
legs should be warmed last because stimulation of the limbs can drive cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. Put person in dry clothing and wrap their entire body in a blanket.
Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee or tea) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.
Winter Driving: The leading cause of death during winter storms is vehicular crashes. Slippery roads are the biggest hazard of winter driving. Remember, accelerate, turn and brake slowly and gently. Anticipate turns and stops, slow down before stops and turns and leave plenty of distance between vehicles. A driver needs three times more clearance to reach a stop in winter conditions.
Visibility is another hazard of winter driving. Keep headlights on day and night. Clean all windows, lights, and side mirrors before starting to drive. If needed, stop and clean again if visibility is impaired. Drivers need to see and be seen. Allow extra travel time and extra road space for driving.
To prevent getting stranded, get off the road as weather conditions worsen. Sometimes the best strategy is to stay off the roads.
Before a storm: Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving. Have a mechanic check the following items on your car: battery; antifreeze; wipers and windshield washer fluid; ignition system; thermostat; lights; flashing hazard lights; exhaust system; heater; brakes; defroster and oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with winter grade oil or the SAE 10w/30 weight variety). Install good tires. Keep gas tank filled above one-quarter tank. Keep windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal. Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season. Plan long trips carefully. Dress warmly. Carry food and water. Have a winter car kit that includes: flashlights with extra batteries; first aid kit with pocket knife; necessary medications; several blankets; sleeping bags; extra newspapers for insulation; plastic bags (for sanitation); matches; extra set of mittens, socks and a wool hat; rain gear and extra clothes; small bag of sand for generating traction under wheels; small shovel; small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver); jumper cables; set of tire chains or traction mats; cards, games, and puzzles; brightly colored cloth to use as a flag; canned fruit and nuts; non electric can opener and bottled water.
During a storm: If trapped in car during a blizzard: stay in the car. Display a trouble sign. Occasionally run the engine to keep warm. Do minor exercises to keep up circulation (clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally). For warmth, huddle together. Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation.
For more information contact the Greene County Combined Health District, Health Education Division, 937-374-5600 or 1-866-858-3588.Greene County Combined Health District – Your center for public health services and health information in Greene County for over 70 years.