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Winter Storm Safety: Protect Yourself in Extreme Cold Weather

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Across Kansas, we’re getting hit with Winter Storm Warnings and Wind Chill Warnings. That comes frigid temperatures, snow and potentially threatening weather conditions.

Even just a few minutes outside in sub-zero temps can be dangerous.

Signs of Hypothermia

Hypothermia can happen in very cold weather. “In cold weather, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced, which can lead to serious health problems,” according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

If you notice any of these symptoms of hypothermia, call for help immediately:

  • Shivering
  • Exhaustion
  • Confusion or impaired judgement
  • Fumbling hands
  • Memory loss
  • Slurred speech
  • Drowsiness
  • Glassy stare

Try to restore normal body temperature while waiting for emergency crews to arrive. The American Red Cross recommends the following tips:

  1. Move the individual to a warm place.
  2. Remove any wet clothing and put on dry clothes.
  3. Warm the person by wrapping in layers and blankets.
  4. Monitor breathing and circulation and perform CPR if needed.

How to Spot Frostbite

Exposing skin to winter weather and extremely cold temps can also lead to frostbite. “It leads to a loss of feeling and color in the areas it affects, usually extremities such as the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, and toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation,” according to the CDC.

Individuals with poor circulation and those who are not appropriately dressed for winter weather are at most risk for frostbite.

Look out for redness or pain on your skin, which may be the first sign of frostbite. Other symptoms from the Red Cross include:

  • Discolored skin that is white, gray, yellow or blue
  • Skin that feels firm, waxy or cold to the touch
  • Numbness or lack of feeling

If someone is experiencing frostbite due to cold weather, check to see if they are also showing signs of hypothermia. Regardless, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately and take action in the meantime:

  1. Move the person out of the cold and in a warm place.
  2. Do not rub the affected area. Handle it gently.
  3. Put the frostbitten area in warm, but not hot, water until it appears red and feels warm.
  4. If water isn’t available, use body heat. For example, if your fingertips have frostbite, place them under your armpit.
  5. If toes are frostbitten, use dry gauze between toes to keep them separated.
  6. Do not use heating pads or heat from a stove or fireplace as the area is already numb and can burn easily.

Stay Safe in Cold Weather

When the weather is this frigid, experts recommend you avoid being outside. If you have to go out, limit your time outdoors or take frequent breaks from the cold. Wear lots of layers to stay warm and cover exposed skin. That means a warm coat, hat, scarf, thick socks, boots and mittens or gloves.

Lastly, make sure at least one person knows your whereabouts at all times.

 

About Advena Living

At Advena Living, our priority is keeping community members warm and safe. At our seven locations throughout Kansas, we are prepared to handle severely cold temperatures. We have emergency plans in place in the event of a power outage, along with extra blankets and food.

We specialize in assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, and long-term care throughout the state. Our locations include Bonner Springs, Cherryvale, Clay Center, Clearwater, Rose Hill, Topeka, and Wichita.

To learn more about us, visit our website.

Staying Safe During Dangerously Hot Weather

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Millions of people across the country are dealing with extremely hot temperatures and stifling humidity. These dangerous temps can pose serious health risks, especially for those who are elderly or have chronic medical issues.

According to the National Weather Service, heat is one of the leading weather-related killers in the United States. Even with very little exposure, hot weather can still impact the body.

 

Heat-Related Illnesses

Your body responds to the heat by trying to cool itself. But if it’s too hot outside, you end up sweating away too much fluid and essential minerals, and that can lead to dehydration.

Other heat related illnesses include heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

The CDC says heat cramps may be the first sign that something is wrong and can lead to heat exhaustion or heat stroke. It’s recommended that you seek medical attention if the heat cramps last longer than an hour.

Symptoms of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, weakness, clammy skin, fast and weak pulse, muscle cramps, dizziness, headache, and nausea. If a person vomits, call a doctor.

Heat stroke can be deadly. It often occurs by ignoring the signs of heat exhaustion.

The CDC urges you to take someone to the hospital immediately if they show signs of heat stroke. Symptoms include throbbing headache, confusion, dizziness, temperature above 103 degrees, rapid and strong pulse, fainting or loss of consciousness.

 

People Most Likely at Risk

Anyone who is outside in hot weather is at risk for developing a heat-related illness. But certain groups are more vulnerable. The American Red Cross lists those individuals as adults 65 and older, anyone with a chronic medical condition, people who work outside, infants and children, and athletes.

The Red Cross also notes that certain medications can increase the risk of heat-related illness. “People with heart disease, poor blood circulation, obesity and mental illness are at risk for getting sick of the temperatures climb.”

 

Heat Safety Tips

NWS, Red Cross and CDC all offer a variety of helpful tips to stay safe in the heat.

  • Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.
  • Spend more time in air conditioned buildings. If you don’t have it at your house, go to a library, movie theater, mall or store to stay cool.
  • Check on neighbors, friends and family who do not have air conditioning, who are often alone or who are more likely to be affected by the heat.
  • Wear loose-fitting, lightweight, light-colored clothing.
  • Postpone outdoor games and activities. Avoid strenuous exercise during the hottest part of the day.
  • Never leave children or pets in your vehicle. The inside temperature of the car can get extremely hot very quickly.
  • Check on animals to make sure they have plenty of cool water and are comfortable.

 

About Advena Living

While we love spending time outside as much as everyone else, we follow safety precautions when it comes to unbearably hot weather to protect our community members. When it’s safe to do so, we encourage residents to get outside and socialize, garden or breathe in the fresh air.

At Advena Living, we believe it’s important for community members to feel at home. Everyone should be able to have a say in decisions that affect them, from their schedules to their care needs.

We are a family-based company in Manhattan, KS that specializes in skilled nursing, long-term care, rehabilitation and assisted living services throughout the state. Our name “Advena” means newcomer. We welcome newcomers seeking a senior living environment where they may continue to enjoy a full life, and where their personal choices are respected and upheld.

© Advena
© Advena