As wind chills are forecast to plunge to minus 25 to minus 30 degrees this weekend, local health leaders and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are urging residents to review winter safety tips and beware that extended power and heat outages are a concern during severe winter weather.
Physicians from MercyOne Genesis Davenport Emergency Care and the CDC offered tips for helping people stay safe and comfortable and avoiding the dangers of hypothermia, frostbite, and carbon monoxide exposure.
Hypothermia and Frostbite
Hypothermia, caused by overexposure to cold temperatures, can be deadly. Warning signs include confusion, slurred speech, shallow breathing, a weak pulse, severe or absent shivering, and poor control of body movements.
If someone exhibits these signs, move them to a warm room or shelter, remove wet clothing, and warm the center of the body first (chest, neck, head, and groin) using an electric blanket or skin-to-skin contact under dry layers. Give warm beverages and seek medical attention immediately.
Frostbite occurs when body tissues freeze, typically affecting extremities like fingers, toes, nose, and ears. Signs include a white or grayish-yellow area on the skin, skin that feels firm or “waxy,” and numbness.
Medical care is necessary for frostbite. If unavailable, move the person to a warm room. Do not walk on frostbitten extremities. Immerse the injured area in warm water or warm it with body heat, but avoid using direct heat sources like heating pads or radiators, as this can cause burns.
Carbon Monoxide Danger
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that can be fatal. Warning signs of exposure often mimic the flu and include fatigue, chest pain, impaired vision and coordination, headaches, dizziness, confusion, and nausea. Symptoms that disappear when exposed to fresh air are a key warning sign.
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:
- Keep gas appliances properly adjusted.
- Do not idle a car in a garage.
- Do not use outdoor grills or run gas-powered generators inside the home.
- Have a professional inspect, clean, and tune central heating systems annually.
Preparing Your Home and Vehicle
Residents should plan for power outages by securing an alternative heat source, such as dry wood for a fireplace or kerosene for a heater.
An emergency box is essential and should include blankets, a first-aid kit, a battery-powered radio and clock, extra batteries, a non-electric can opener, a shovel, rock salt, and non-perishable food and water (at least five gallons per person).
For those who must drive, vehicles should be equipped with blankets, a first-aid kit, booster cables, road maps or GPS, a mobile phone, a container of water, high-calorie canned or dried food, a flashlight, and brightly colored cloth to use as a distress signal.
Additional Safety Measures
Officials also advise residents to:
- Tell someone your destination and expected return time before leaving the house during a storm.
- Carry a whistle or use a car’s “panic button” for help if you fall on ice.
- Check on older neighbors and family members frequently.
- Seek alternative shelter if home conditions become unhealthy or unsafe.
- Use a battery-powered or crank-powered emergency radio for information during a power outage.
