Dr. C. Devadason, Health Officer for the Charles County Department of Health reminds residents, “winter-related injury and death can occur due to road conditions, fire and hypothermia.” Preparing and taking preventative care of your home and car and preparing to stay warm is the best way to deal with cold-weather emergencies. Keep several days supply of food, water and medications on hand.
“Cold weather can pose a variety of health and safety risks for individuals,” Dr. Devadason said. “It’s important to be aware of those risks and take steps to keep you, your loved ones safe.” Dangers associated with winter weather include cold weather health hazards such as hypothermia and frostbite, as well as carbon monoxide poisoning and injuries from heat sources.
Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature falls below 95ºF. Frostbite refers to actual freezing and subsequent destruction of body tissue that is likely to occur any time skin temperature gets much below 32ºF. The areas most likely to freeze are toes, fingers, ears, cheeks and the tip of the nose.
Tips for staying warm and healthy in extreme cold weather include:
· Cover your head. You lose as much as 50 percent of your body heat through your head.
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