State and local health officials are stressing the importance of protecting yourself from the single-digit temperatures and below-zero wind chill conditions.
Temperatures dipped as low as 2 degrees early Friday morning and could go lower later today and into Saturday, according to forecasts. Wind chill temperatures have been reported in the negative teens.
"We want everyone to be safe this season," Roderick Bremby, secretary for the Kansas Dept. of Health and Environment, said. "If you are outside in these conditions, please take precautions to prevent yourself from frostbite or other injuries."
Bremby also reminds people to check on loved ones or neighbors who may be at risk from the cold weather. That includes young children, older adults and the chronically ill.
Multiple layers of light, warm clothing are recommended to battle against the elements. Try not to expose much, if any skin, to the frigid temperatures. Mittens, hats, scarves and waterproof boots are a good idea.
It’s also important, health officials said, to be aware of symptoms that mark the onset of hypothermia or frostbite.
Warnings signs of hypothermia include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, slurred speech and drowsiness. It’s important to seek medical attention quickly if you suspect someone is hypothermic.
Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes.
Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.
If you cannot seek immediate medical attention, frostbite can be treated by getting into a warm area as soon as possible. Do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes, unless absolutely necessary.
Immerse the affected area in warm, not hot, water and do not rub or massage the affected area in any way. This can cause more damage.
Body heat can also be used to warm an affected area. Using a heating pad, heat lamp or the heat of a stove, fireplace or radiator is not advised.
Health officials also recommend stocking weather related emergency items and preparing for possible power outages.
It’s important to stock some food that requires no cooking or refrigeration and to store water in clean containers. An up to date emergency kit should contain a flashlight with fresh batteries, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio and lamps.
You should also keep a first-aid kit and extra medicine handy.
Also, health officials warn of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning when using fireplaces, wood stoves, portable heaters or generators. Usage of these items increases in bitterly cold weather and during power outages.
The following tips are offered for operating heating items safely:
Never run a generator or any petroleum-fueled (kerosene, propane, gasoline) engine or appliance inside a basement, garage or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented.
– Keep vents and flues free of debris, especially if winds are high. Flying debris can block ventilation lines.
– Never run a motor vehicle, generator or any gasoline-powered engine outside an open window, door or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.
– Regularly check and properly maintain fuel-burning appliances, especially when in use.
VEHICLES
Emergency management and health officials also recommend making sure your car is ready for winter travel.
Service the radiator and maintain the anti-freeze level; check tire thread and, if necessary, replace tires with all-weather or snow tires.
Keep the gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Use a winter formula in your windshield wiper reservoir.
Keep an emergency kit in your car that includes, blankets, food and water, jumper cables, flares, a tire pump and a bag of sand or catt litter for traction. A compass and map, flashlight, battery-powered radio and extra batteries are advised, as are a first-aid kit and plastic bags, for sanitation purposes.
If you do become stuck in your car, health officials suggest the following for remaining safe.
Stay with your care unless safety is 100 yards or less away. Continue to move your arms and legs.
Stay visible by putting bright cloth on your antenna, turning on an inside overhead light, if your engine is running, and raising the hood when snowfall stops.
Run the engine and heater just 10 minutes of every hour.
Keep a downwind window open.
Make sure your tailpipe is not blocked.
