LIVINGSTON, N.J. -- Everyone is potentially at risk during winter storms. Recent statistics from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) indicate that of winter deaths related to ice and snow, about 70 percent occur in automobiles due to traffic accidents on icy roads. About 25 percent of these deaths are people caught out in the storm, with the majority being males over 40 years old. Of the overall deaths related to exposure and cold, about 50 percent are people over 60 years old and about 20 percent occur in the individual’s home.
“It pays to be prepared for contingencies in dealing with the winter season,” says James McEnrue, M.D., attending physician in emergency medicine and Associate Director of the Emergency Department at Saint Barnabas Medical Center. “Mistakes in driving and miscalculations when out in the country and at home during frigid weather can take their toll as the effects of the cold can be very unforgiving. This is especially true of the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions or disabilities.”
Following are a variety of winter safety suggestions supplied by The Emergency Department at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Davison County Emergency Management Public Safety Center. With a little planning, your family can prepare for cold weather and know what to do in a winter emergency.
1. At home, the primary concern is the potential loss of heat, power, telephone service and a shortage of supplies if storm conditions continue for more than a day. Have the following available:
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Battery-powered NOAA Weather Radio
- Extra food and water. High-energy food, such as dried fruit or candy, and food requiring no cooking or refrigeration is best.
- Extra medicine and baby items
- First-aid supplies
- Emergency heating source, such as a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc.
2. When traveling, plan ahead and check the latest weather reports to avoid a storm. The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving.
- Fully check and winterize your vehicle before the winter season begins. Make sure a mechanic checks a variety of things, including the battery, antifreeze, tires, wipers and windshield washer fluid
- Carry a Winter Storm Survival Kit that includes blankets/sleeping bags; flashlight with extra batteries; first-aid kit; knife; non-perishable food; extra clothing; shovel; windshield scraper and brush; tool kit; tow rope; booster cables; water container; compass and road maps.
- Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.
- Try not to travel alone.
- Let someone know your timetable and primary and alternate routes.
- If you become trapped in your car during a blizzard, do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost in the blowing snow. Instead, display a trouble sign and raise the hood. Turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.
3. Winter weather reports can be helpful when making planning decisions:
- "Wind chill" is a calculation of how cold it feels outside when the effects of temperature and wind speed are combined. A b wind combined with a temperature of just below freezing can have the same effect as a still air temperature about 35 degrees colder.
- A winter storm watch indicates that severe winter weather may affect your area. A winter storm warning indicates that severe winter weather conditions are definitely on the way. A blizzard warning means that large amounts of falling snow and sustained winds of at least 35 miles per hour are expected.
4. Frostbite and Hypothermia require immediate medical attention:
- Frostbite is a severe reaction to cold exposure that can permanently damage its victims. A loss of feeling and white appearance in fingers, toes, nose or ear lobes are symptoms of frostbite. Hypothermia is brought on when the body temperature drops to less than 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Symptoms include shivering, slow speech, memory lapses, stumbling, drowsiness and exhaustion.
- If frostbite or hypothermia is suspected, begin warming the person slowly and seek immediate medical assistance. Warm the person's trunk first, put the individual in dry clothing and wrap the entire body in a blanket.
- Never give a frostbite or hypothermia victim something with caffeine in it (like coffee or tea) or alcohol. Caffeine, a stimulant, can cause the heart to beat faster and hasten the effects the cold has on the body. Alcohol, a depressant, can slow the heart and also hasten the ill effects of cold body temperatures.
With some winter safety precautions, families can stay safe and enjoy the beauty of the season. For more information about the Emergency Department at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, please call 1-888-SBMC-DOC. In the event of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.
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