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Handling cold temperatures
Submitted by Whitfield County Emergency Services
Whitfield County Emergency Services reminds citizens to be safe during extreme cold temperatures. Prolonged exposure can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Outdoor activities should be limited, especially for young children and the elderly. Please remember pets at this time too. Anyone outside should follow safety measures from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that lead to potential cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses and injuries and what to do to help the worker.
Train your work force about cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
Select proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions. Layer clothing to adjust to changing temperatures. Wear a hat and gloves, in addition to underwear that will keep water away from the skin (polypropylene).
Take frequent short breaks in warm, dry shelters to allow the body to warm up.
Perform work during the warmest part of the day.
Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
Use the buddy system; work in pairs.
Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks). Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
Eat warm, high-calorie foods like hot pasta dishes.
Emergency Services also reminds residents to secure pipes from freezing. This can be done by wrapping insulation or layers of newspapers around pipes, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture. Also allow a trickle of warm water to run from a faucet that is farthest from the water meter or one that has frozen in the past. This will keep the water moving so that it can’t freeze. Learn how to shut off the water if a pipe bursts. If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes or wrap them with towels soaked in hot water, starting where they are most exposed to the cold. A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well.
For more information, log on to www.georgia911.org.
Handling cold temperatures
Submitted by Whitfield County Emergency Services
Whitfield County Emergency Services reminds citizens to be safe during extreme cold temperatures. Prolonged exposure can lead to frostbite and hypothermia. Outdoor activities should be limited, especially for young children and the elderly. Please remember pets at this time too. Anyone outside should follow safety measures from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA):
Recognize the environmental and workplace conditions that lead to potential cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
Learn the signs and symptoms of cold-induced illnesses and injuries and what to do to help the worker.
Train your work force about cold-induced illnesses and injuries.
Select proper clothing for cold, wet and windy conditions. Layer clothing to adjust to changing temperatures. Wear a hat and gloves, in addition to underwear that will keep water away from the skin (polypropylene).
Take frequent short breaks in warm, dry shelters to allow the body to warm up.
Perform work during the warmest part of the day.
Avoid exhaustion or fatigue because energy is needed to keep muscles warm.
Use the buddy system; work in pairs.
Drink warm, sweet beverages (sugar water, sports-type drinks). Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol.
Eat warm, high-calorie foods like hot pasta dishes.
Emergency Services also reminds residents to secure pipes from freezing. This can be done by wrapping insulation or layers of newspapers around pipes, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture. Also allow a trickle of warm water to run from a faucet that is farthest from the water meter or one that has frozen in the past. This will keep the water moving so that it can’t freeze. Learn how to shut off the water if a pipe bursts. If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes or wrap them with towels soaked in hot water, starting where they are most exposed to the cold. A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well.
For more information, log on to www.georgia911.org.
