COLD EMERGENCY EVACUATE: Consider leaving if any of these apply: The indoor temperature drips below 56 F (13 C) and you don’t have a safe way to produce heat. The temperature is falling or forecast to not improve soon.
Someone in the home is at high risk such as: Babies or young children Anyone with heart or lung disease People with disabilities or limited mobility Adults over 65: They produce less body heat, have reduced circulation and thinner skin for insulation with a less sense of cold that can cause Hypothermia to begin even indoors in a cool home. 68 F – 70 F (20 C -21 C) is recommended temperature when possible. Hypothermia
Getting too cold can lead to several conditions ranging form mild to life-threatening.
Frostnip: mild freezing of skin causing numbness and pale color Frostbite: Skin and deeper tissues freeze affecting fingers, toes, ears or nose. The skin may become hard, pale, waxy or black if severe. Trench Foot: caused by prolonged exposure to cold, wet conditions without freezing temperatures. Feet may become swollen, numb and painful.
Early signs of Hypothermia include: Shivering (but may stop shivering if hypothermia becomes severe) Feeling very cold Numb, especially in fingers and toes Slurred Speech Clumsiness or poor co-ordination Confusion or difficulty thinking clearly Drowsiness or unusual fatigue More Severe Signs of hypothermia: Intense confusion or strange behavior Slow, shallow breathing Weak or slow pulse Loss of consciousness Little or no shivering even thought very cold
How to Help Someone with Hypothermia: If the persona is Awake and Responsive: Move them to a warm, dry place if possible Remove wet clothing and replace with dry clothing or blankets. Warm the body’s core (neck, chest, groin) using blankets or warm, dry compresses. Offer warm, non-alcoholic, non caffeniated drinks if they are able to swallow and if available Handle them gently. Rough movement can stress the heart in sever hypothermia.
DO NOT: Don’t Use very Hot water, heating pads or direct heat on arms or legs first – this could make it worse Don’t Rub or massage cold or frost bite skin Don’t Give alcohol Don’t Assume they are okay because they stopped shivering. HYPOTHERMIA is a Medical Emergency. Call your local Emergency Services while trying to keep the person warm.
IF temperature gets too cold or unsafe, you may have to go to a warmer location such as a community warming center, church or shelter – any place with power or heat. IF in a building and the elevator is not working, it may be safer to carefully walk down the stairs at an slow, easy pace to reduce loss of physical energy, than to remain in the extreme cold for hours. Take only needed items in smallest bag possible per person. (Medications, ID, phone, medical records/insurance, bottle of water)
Evacuation Begin thinking where you may go if you need to leave your home due to cold temperatures and How will you get there Safely? Below 56 F (13 C) is generally too cold and begins to affect body functions like blood pressure or begin hypothermia.
Decide now what will trigger your Relocation. ____ Temperature OR if power for heat cannot be restored in __hours.
Disclaimer: This information is for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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