1/5/2018
TIPS FOR MANAGING STORMS AND COLD WEATHER Our seniors are at greater risk during a storm and in the extreme cold. Check on your elderly family members and neighbors to be sure they are safe and follow these tips: · If possible stock your home with non-perishable food, bottled water, flash lights and extra blankets before a storm or cold front in case of power outages. · Regularly check your fuel supplies. · Keep fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Make sure everyone knows how to use the extinguishers and understands the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. · Make sure you have a cell phone with an alternative charging option (car, solar). · Try to stay indoors during a storm. · Drive only if necessary and during the day; do not travel alone, keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads only; push snow off of your vehicle; lift lighter loads. · Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly. · If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. · Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves; a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to reduce heat loss.
AFTER SNOWSTORMS AND DURING EXTREME COLD
More information: www.ready.gov/winter or www.maine.gov/mema/mema_masscare
TIPS FOR MANAGING STORMS AND COLD WEATHER Our seniors are at greater risk during a storm and in the extreme cold. Check on your elderly family members and neighbors to be sure they are safe and follow these tips: · If possible stock your home with non-perishable food, bottled water, flash lights and extra blankets before a storm or cold front in case of power outages. · Regularly check your fuel supplies. · Keep fire extinguishers and carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Make sure everyone knows how to use the extinguishers and understands the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning. · Make sure you have a cell phone with an alternative charging option (car, solar). · Try to stay indoors during a storm. · Drive only if necessary and during the day; do not travel alone, keep others informed of your schedule; stay on main roads only; push snow off of your vehicle; lift lighter loads. · Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly. · If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. The outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. · Wear mittens, which are warmer than gloves; a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to reduce heat loss.
AFTER SNOWSTORMS AND DURING EXTREME COLD
- If your home loses power or heat for more than a few hours or if you do not have adequate supplies to stay warm in your home overnight, you may want to go to a designated public shelter if you can get there safely. Text SHELTER + your ZIP code to 43362 (4FEMA) to find the nearest shelter in your area (e.g., SHELTER20472).
- Bring personal items that you would need to spend the night (toiletries, medicine). Take precautions when traveling to the shelter. Dress warmly in layers, wear boots, mittens, and a hat.
- Continue to protect yourself from frostbite and hypothermia by wearing warm, loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in several layers. Stay indoors, if possible.
More information: www.ready.gov/winter or www.maine.gov/mema/mema_masscare
EMHS - Eastern Maine Healthcare System published this content on 05 January 2018 and is solely responsible for the information contained herein.
Distributed by Public, unedited and unaltered, on 05 January 2018 21:19:05 UTC.
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