Fighting to stay warm is crucial in an emergency situation. If there’s a power outage, you may not have heat, and losing body heat can cause hypothermia and result in death. At the same time, you don’t want to use unsafe methods to stay warm because your power goes out. The Winchester News Gazette reports on the following information and tips offered by the local Department of Health:
“Hypothermia occurs when people are exposed to cold temperatures,” said State Health Department medical director for Public Health and Preparedness Joan Duwve, M.D. “A person’s body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced and prolonged exposure to the cold will ultimately use up your body’s stored energy. This results in hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature.”
Tips for staying warm and safe while at home include:
- Use fireplace, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside;
- Never use a charcoal or gas grill indoors – the fumes are deadly;
- Never leave lit candles unattended;
- Keep as much heat as possible inside your home;
- Check the temperature in your home often during severely cold weather;
- Leave all water taps slightly open so they drip continuously; and
- Eat well-balanced meals to help you stay warmer.
It’s important to note that there have been reports of people slipping into a hypothermic state with temperatures in the 40s (F). People have a tendency to get overconfident when it warms up a little, and they spend too long outdoors in a T-shirt.
You have to stay warm, but you also have to stay safe. Make plans now for how to accomplish both without power.
Source:
http://www.winchesternewsgazette.com/articles/2009/12/13/news/news1.txt