Bitter Cold Weather Predicted For This Weekend
January 18, 2019
With more frigid temperatures int he forecast for this weekend, the State Health Department urges Missourians to take precautions and check on their neighbors.
The National Weather Service is predicting cold weather, snow and dangerously cold wind chills starting Friday night and continuing through the weekend.
“As we approach this weekend, we want to emphasize that the forecasted conditions will be much colder than what we have experienced so far this season, and prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia. Also, the combination of precipitation and these extreme temperatures is expected to cause slick surfaces. We urge all to take caution to avoid falls,” said Dr. Randall Williams, Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).
DHSS urges residents to minimize outdoor activities during the extreme cold and to follow these safety tips:
• Stay indoors in a warm area. If heat is not available, you can go to a warming center during their regular times of operation. According to the DHSS website, the Galena Branch of the Stone County Library, Marionville Branch Library and the Kimberling Area Library are registered as warming centers. If you are outside of this area, you can find these resources by dialing 2-1-1 for United Way Referral.
• Check on your neighbors, especially senior citizens and disabled adults. Make sure they are using adequate and safe heating sources. The state’s toll-free, adult abuse and neglect hotline (1-800-392-0210) can be used to report any elderly persons or adults with disabilities who may be suffering from extreme cold temperatures and need assistance. This hotline is operated 365 days per year from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• If you do have to be outdoors, dress in several layers of loose-fitting, layered and lightweight clothing. The space between these layers works as insulation to help keep you warmer.
• Wear water resistant boots and something on your head.
• Protect your ears and face. Wear a scarf to help protect your lungs from cold air – it will also protect your ears and face.
• Schedule outdoor activities during the warmest part of the day, usually 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Carry extra clothes with you such as socks, gloves, hats and jackets so you can change them if they get wet.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and pale or waxy white appearance of extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. Other signs may include numbness, a tingling or stinging sensation in the affected body part and reduced blood flow. If any of these symptoms are detected, please seek medical help immediately.
• The warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. In infants, the skin will turn bright red and cold, and they may present with a very low energy level. If any of these signs appear, get the victim to a warm location immediately and call 911 for immediate medical assistance.
• Increase your fluid intake–regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink fluids. Avoid alcohol.
• Ensure infants and children drink adequate amounts of liquids.
• Medications can also increase the risk of temperature related illnesses. Some of these medications include antidepressants, antihistamines, heart medications, diuretics and chemotherapy drugs. Always consult with your doctor regarding the medications you are taking.
• Make sure your car is properly winterized. Keep your gas tank filled. Prepare an emergency kit including blankets, a flashlight, waterproof matches, non-perishable foods and water.
With more frigid temperatures int he forecast for this weekend, the State Health Department urges Missourians to take precautions and check on their neighbors.
The National Weather Service is predicting cold weather, snow and dangerously cold wind chills starting Friday night and continuing through the weekend.
“As we approach this weekend, we want to emphasize that the forecasted conditions will be much colder than what we have experienced so far this season, and prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia. Also, the combination of precipitation and these extreme temperatures is expected to cause slick surfaces. We urge all to take caution to avoid falls,” said Dr. Randall Williams, Director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).
DHSS urges residents to minimize outdoor activities during the extreme cold and to follow these safety tips:
• Stay indoors in a warm area. If heat is not available, you can go to a warming center during their regular times of operation. According to the DHSS website, the Galena Branch of the Stone County Library, Marionville Branch Library and the Kimberling Area Library are registered as warming centers. If you are outside of this area, you can find these resources by dialing 2-1-1 for United Way Referral.
• Check on your neighbors, especially senior citizens and disabled adults. Make sure they are using adequate and safe heating sources. The state’s toll-free, adult abuse and neglect hotline (1-800-392-0210) can be used to report any elderly persons or adults with disabilities who may be suffering from extreme cold temperatures and need assistance. This hotline is operated 365 days per year from 7 a.m. to 12 a.m.
• If you do have to be outdoors, dress in several layers of loose-fitting, layered and lightweight clothing. The space between these layers works as insulation to help keep you warmer.
• Wear water resistant boots and something on your head.
• Protect your ears and face. Wear a scarf to help protect your lungs from cold air – it will also protect your ears and face.
• Schedule outdoor activities during the warmest part of the day, usually 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Carry extra clothes with you such as socks, gloves, hats and jackets so you can change them if they get wet.
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and pale or waxy white appearance of extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes or the tip of the nose. Other signs may include numbness, a tingling or stinging sensation in the affected body part and reduced blood flow. If any of these symptoms are detected, please seek medical help immediately.
• The warning signs of hypothermia include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. In infants, the skin will turn bright red and cold, and they may present with a very low energy level. If any of these signs appear, get the victim to a warm location immediately and call 911 for immediate medical assistance.
• Increase your fluid intake–regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until you feel thirsty to drink fluids. Avoid alcohol.
• Ensure infants and children drink adequate amounts of liquids.
• Medications can also increase the risk of temperature related illnesses. Some of these medications include antidepressants, antihistamines, heart medications, diuretics and chemotherapy drugs. Always consult with your doctor regarding the medications you are taking.
• Make sure your car is properly winterized. Keep your gas tank filled. Prepare an emergency kit including blankets, a flashlight, waterproof matches, non-perishable foods and water.