The American Red Cross urges New Yorkers to take basic precautions and to be informed about critical heating and safety tips that could save lives.“New Yorkers can follow some simple steps to prepare now as the winter season begins,” states Suzanne Lutz, Director of the Staten Island Chapter of The American Red Cross in Greater New York.

Tips to Be Prepared Outdoors:
• Dress appropriately before going outdoors. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite.

• Dress in layers - you can take off a layer if you get too warm. Wear gloves or mittens, and replace wet clothing immediately.

• Drink hot cider, soup or broth, which warm you and give you nutrients and energy. Avoid beverages with alcohol or caffeine; they will make you more susceptible to cold-weather emergencies like hypothermia.

• Recognize the symptoms of cold weather illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite. Symptoms of hypothermia include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Warning signs of frostbite include gray, white or yellow skin discoloration. Both are serious; if any of these conditions are present, seek medical attention immediately.

Tips to Be Prepared Outdoors:

• Have extra blankets on hand.

• Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves, mittens, hat and water-resistant boots.

•Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit containing:

•First-aid kit and essential medications.

•Battery-powered radio, flashlight and extra batteries.

•Canned food and can opener.

•Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least 3 days).

•Extra warm clothing, including boots, mittens and a hat.

If You Lose Your Heat Source:

• If you loose your heating source, remain in one room and close the doors. Roll towels and place them at the base of the doors to prevent the loss of heat and the entrance of cold air. Cover windows with sheets or towels. Place rolled towels at the base of doors leading outside.

• Wrap yourself in layers of blankets and take hot showers if hot water is available.

• If your heat is not restored, call family, neighbors or friends to see if you can stay with them.

• Stay informed. Watch and listen to local news reports to stay on top of the latest weather information.

Prevent, Recognize and Treat Cold Related Illness

To prevent cold-related illness, such as hypothermia and frostbite, excerise the following precautions:

• Avoid prolonged outdoor exposure on very cold days.

• Change your activity level according to the temperature.

• Dress in layers:
Inner Layer should be made of a synthetic fabric that does not retain moisture (capilene, polypropylene, etc.).
Insulating Layer a quick-drying fabric that insulates even while it’s wet is best (Qualofil, Pile, wool, etc.).
Shell Layer will provide a windproof & preferably waterproof, barrier (ripstop nylon, Gore-Tex, Supplex, etc.).

• A hat is vital to staying warm: gloves, insulating socks, neck “gaiters” and headbands all protect you from the cold.

• Wool pants are a better choice than jeans or corduroys.

• Drink large amounts of nonalcoholic and decaffeinated fluids.

Learn to recognize and care for the following signals of cold-related illness

Hypothermia

Signs & Symptoms

• Shivering, which may be absent in the later stages of hypothermia

• Slow, irregular pulse

• Glassy stare

• Numbness

• Apathy & decreasing level of consciousness

Care

• Remove all wet clothing

• Place the victim in dry blankets or clothing

• Move the victim to a warm environment if possible

• Apply hot water bottles or heat packs over a barrier, such as a blanket

• Give a conscious victim warm liquids to drink

• Rewarm the victim gradually and handle him or her gently

Frostbite

Signs & Symptoms

• Skin that is cold to the touch

• Discolored skin (flushed, white, yellow, blue - depending on the length of exposure

• Skin that appears waxy

• Lack of feeling in the affected area

Care

• Handle the affected area gently

• Do not rub the area

• Warm area in water 100° F to 105° F

• Do not allow the affected part to touch the bottom or sides of the container holding the water

• Once the affected area feels warm and appears red, remove it from the water and bandage it loosely with a dry, sterile dressing

• Promptly seek medical attention

The American Red Cross
1424 Richmond Avenue,
Staten Island, NY
718-983-1600
www.nyredcross.org