Staying Safe and Healthy in Dangerously Cold Weather: Risks and Precautions

Dangers of Extreme Cold Weather

• ❄️ Extreme cold weather, combined with snow and ice, is overwhelming emergency departments.
• ⚠️ Sidewalks covered in snow and slush pose navigation challenges, particularly for the elderly, parents with strollers, and pets.
• 🥶 Workers in exposed conditions, like those operating food carts, face significant discomfort and risk from the bitter cold and wind.

Cold-Related Injuries and Health Risks

• 🏥 Emergency room doctors are seeing a high volume of cold and ice-related injuries, including fractures, frostbite, sprains, and head injuries.
• ⚡ Frostbite can occur within minutes of unprotected exposure to the cold.
• 🌡️ Shivering is the first sign of hypothermia, indicating the body is losing heat and needs to get out of the cold quickly.
• ❤️ Stony Brook University Hospital ED reported treating three patients with heart attacks in a single morning due to the extreme conditions.

Staying Healthy and Safe

• 🧥 Doctors recommend strategically layering clothing, wearing hats and gloves, and covering as much skin as possible to stay warm.
• 🚶‍♀️ It's crucial to pay attention to your body's signals and seek warmth immediately if you start shivering.
• ⏳ When performing tasks like shoveling snow or leaving your home, be aware of your surroundings and take your time to prevent falls and injuries.
• 🤝 Help vulnerable neighbors, especially those who are housing insecure, by connecting them with support services for adequate shelter.

Preventing Problems Before They Occur

• 🏘️ Hospitals are working to prevent cold-related issues by supporting housing insecure individuals and helping them find appropriate shelter.
• 📰 For more information on extreme cold and forecasts, consult cbsnewyork.com or download the CBS News app.