45°
“Seniors and children are more vulnerable in these cold temperatures as well as residents who work outside and it’s critical to be well prepared,” fire department officials wrote in a press release.
“Residents who need to go somewhere warm during these frigid temperatures can go to the public libraries as well as City Hall.”
The American Red Cross also recently released some cold weather safety tips, which include the following:
- Wear a hat, ideally one that covers your ears, as most of your body heat is lost through your head.
- Dressing in layers helps you retain heat.
- Mittens are warmer for your hands than gloves.
- Waterproof, insulated boots keep your feet warm and dry, preventing hypothermia and frostbite, and reducing the chances of a fall in icy or snowy conditions.
- Do not drink caffeine or alcohol if you anticipate that you or someone close to you is at risk of experiencing hypothermia or frostbite.
- Remove wet clothes immediately, and use a blanket to warm the body or drink hot liquids such as cider or soup.
- Hypothermia symptoms include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion, and severe shivering. Immediate medical attention is essential.
- Frostbite symptoms include gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, or skin that feels similar in texture to wax. Again, immediate medical attention is essential.
- Be careful when using portable space heaters, which are a leading cause of home fires during the winter.
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