With single digit temperatures and double-digit wind gusts, local officials are urging residents to be cautious outside.
“The biggest thing is to limit your exposure and your time outdoors,” said Jennifer Thrush of the Union County Health Department.
With children and many family members off school and work for the holidays, it can be tempting to go outside to play.
“Make sure you’re mindful of how long you have been outside and limiting your time outdoors if you are outside for recreation,” said Thrush.
She said workers who need to be outside should also be careful.
“Anytime you can seek shelter, do it — go inside, get in a warm vehicle,” Thrush said.
She said that whether a person is outside for work or play, they need to be cautious.
“When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced,” according to information form the Centers for Disease Control. “The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a person may not know it is happening and won’t be able to do anything about it.”
The CDC stressed that even as the weather warms, hypothermia is a risk.
“Hypothermia occurs most commonly at very cold environmental temperatures, but can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40 degrees Farenheight) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water,” according to the CDC.
Thrush said it is best to dress in layers.
“Layers are always a better option,” Thrush said. “That way, as you are outside and moving around, if you get warm you can take some layers off so you don’t sweat.”
Officials said it is also important to protect exposed skin. Frostbite is a serious condition that’s caused by exposure to extremely cold temperatures.
Even inside in cold weather can be dangerous. According to the CDC, each year, an average of 430 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning, and more than 20,000 visit the emergency room. Carbon monoxide-related deaths are highest during colder month, likely due to increased use of gas-powered furnaces and alternative heating, cooking, and power sources used inappropriately indoors during power outages.
“Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal¬ burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially enclosed area,” according to the CDC. “Locate unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Keep these devices at least 20 feet from doors, windows and vents.”
Officials said it is important to install carbon monoxide alarms in central locations on every level of your home and outside sleeping areas to provide early warning of accumulating carbon monoxide.
“If the carbon monoxide alarm sounds, move quickly to a fresh air location outdoors or by an open window or door,” according to the CDC. “Call for help from the fresh air location and remain there until emergency personnel arrive to assist you.”
Thrush said this time of year it is important to take care of each other.
“Check on your neighbors, especially if they are elderly,” Thrush said. “Just stop in and say ‘Hi,’ make sure they are in a warm, safe place.”