Extreme Temperatures

Cold snaps and heat waves can be as challenging and as deadly as any other natural disaster.  you can best weather these times through pre-season preparation and the right know-how.

• Stock up on food, water, medicines and heating fuel.
• Secure back-up heat sources, such as kerosene heaters.  Never use charcoal, gas or propane heaters indoors.
• Buy bags of rock salt and sand for use on icy walkways.
• Weather-strip windows and doors to help seal out the cold.

DURING AND AFTER A WINTER STORM

• Conserve heating fuel by shutting off unused rooms.
• Wear several layers of clothing and a hat outdoors.  Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Don't overexert yourself while shoveling snow.
• Watch for signs of frostbite:  loss of feeling along with paleness in tip of nose, fingers, toes and ear lobes.
• Beware of hypothermia.  Signs include uncontrollable shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness, memory loss and disorientation.
• Avoid driving at night or alone.  Notify others of your schedule and route.

IF YOUR VEHICLE IS STRANDED IN A BLIZZARD

• Pull off the road and turn on your hazard lights.
• Do not start walking unless you can see a building where you can take shelter.
• If no buildings are in sight, stay in your vehicle, where rescuers are more likely to find you.
• Wrap yourself in blankets, or use seat covers, floor mats and maps.
• Run the engine for 10 minutes each hour to keep warm.  Open a window slightly for ventilation.

WINTERIZE YOUR VEHICLE

• Check the wipers, battery, heater, defroster, ignition system, lights, oil and tire pressure.
• Consider purchasing snow tires or chains.
• Pack a winter emergency kit with a window scraper, blankets, battery-powered radio, flashlight, water, snack food, tow chain or rope, shovel and flares.

SUMMER

SUMMER WEATHER TERMS TO KNOW

• Heat Wave - Period of extreme heat, usually accompanied by high humidity.
• Heat Index - The relative humidity added to the air temperature- how hot it feels.
• Heat Cramps - Muscle pains due to exertion- the first sign of heat related problems.
• Heat Exhaustion - A mild form of shock brought on by strenuous activity in the heat.
• Heat Stroke - A life-threatening condition occurring when the body's temperature control system shuts down.  Brain damage or death can result if the body is not cooled at once.

DURING A HEAT WAVE

• Stay indoors in air conditioning as much as possible, and in the shade if you go outside.
• If your home is not air conditioned, spend at least two hours daily at an air-conditioned mall, library or other public place.
• Wear sunscreen outside, along with light-colored clothes that cover as much skin as possible.
• Drink water regularly even if you are not thirsty.  Limit alcohol, which speeds dehydration.
• Never leave children or pets alone in the car.
• Avoid exertion during the hottest part of the day.
• Take a cool shower or bath.