A wind chill advisory is in effect through 1 p.m. today. Director of Bridgeport Emergency Services Laura Pysz provides tips for coping with frigid temperatures.

 

First and foremost, prevent hypothermia – a condition which occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperatures falls below 95 degrees F. The normal body temperature is 98.6 F.

 

That can happen, Pysz said, within 30 minutes. When venturing out into the elements, dress in layers to hold in body heat. Remember to cover all exposed areas, wearing hats, scarves and gloves, she said.

 

Recommended winter attire includes loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing in layers, trapping air between the layers provides insulation.

 

“Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill,” Pysz said. “Wear outer garments that are tightly woven, water repellent and hooded and a hat. Half of one’s body heat is lost through the top of the head.”

 

Gloves or mittens should be snug-fitting at the wrist. Mittens actually offer better protection as gloves allow fingers to cool much faster than mittens do.

 

“Cover the mouth and nose with scarves to help protect lungs from cold air and attempt to keep feet as dry as possible,” said Pysz said, adding that wool socks are best.

 

Symptoms of hypothermia include slow or slurred speech, incoherence, memory loss, disorientation, uncontrollable shivering, drowsiness, repeated stumbling and apparent exhaustion.

 

“If these symptoms are detected, take the person's temperature,” Pysz said. “If it’s below 95 degrees F, immediately seek medical attention.  If medical help is not available, begin warming the person slowly.”

 

Always warm the body core first, she said. Warming arms and legs first can force cold blood toward the heart and lead to heart failure. It is vital to get a hypothermia victim into dry clothing and wrap them in a warm blanket, covering head and neck. Never give the victim alcohol, drugs, coffee or any hot beverage. Warm broth is better, Pysz said.

 

With pending dangers due to the cold, it’s also vitally important to check on friends, family and neighbors; especially the elderly and handicapped. Bring all pets indoors. (Read more about cold weather danger to pets HERE.)

 

When temperatures dip into the danger zone, stay indoors – in a heated room – as much as possible. Cover windows with a blanket during the day to keep out cold, but let the sun shine in during daytime hours. Cover cracks around doors with rugs, newspapers, towels or other materials.

 

If using alternate sources for electricity, heating or cooking, be mindful of possibilities of carbon monoxide poisoning, electric shock and fire. When using alternative heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc., use safeguards and ensure proper ventilation to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.

 

Carbon monoxide is a silent killer; always a concern during winter months. Never use a generator, grill, camp stove or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal¬ burning devices inside a home, garage, basement, crawlspace or any partially-enclosed area, Pysz said.

 

Always locate the unit away from doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors. Also:

 

 

If using kerosene heaters, always refuel outside and keep heaters at least three feet away from flammable objects.

 

“And if you have no heat, close off unneeded rooms and place towels or rags under doors,” Pysz said.

 

Another wintertime hazard is the freezing of pipes. If that happens, shut off water at the main source; minimizing damage to the home. It’s important to make two phone calls: One to a plumber and another to your insurance agent, Pysz said.

 

“Never try to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame or torch and always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water,” she said.

 

When spending time outdoors, avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow.

 

“The strain from the cold and the hard labor of snow shoveling could cause a heart attack at any age – a major cause of death in the winter,” Pysz said. “Don't ignore chest pain or tightness in your chest.”

 

If you happen to become stranded outdoors, seek shelter immediately and stay dry and cover all exposed body parts.

 

“If there is no shelter nearby, prepare a lean-to, windbreak or snow cave for protection from the wind,” Pysz said. “Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.”

 

Never eat show as it will lower your body temperature and watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite, Pysz said, is a severe reaction to cold exposure of the skin which can permanently damage fingers, toes, the nose and ear lobes. 

 

“Symptoms are numbness and a white or pale appearance to the skin,” she said. “When symptoms are apparent, seek medical help immediately.  If medical help is not immediately available, slowly warm the affected areas.”

 

Read a follow-up story providing road and travel tips later on Connect-Bridgeport. 

 

Editor's Note:  Pictured above is Laura Pysz. Cover/top photo is courtesy of Susan Curtin Stevens.