Baltimore City Health Department Advises Residents to Stay Warm, Safe During Winter Weather

BALTIMORE, MD (February 5, 2010) – As residents brace for a severe winter snow storm and the possibility of freezing temperatures, the Baltimore City Health Department offers the following tips for staying safe when venturing outdoors:
When shoveling snow:
• Dress warmly and work slowly. Take frequent breaks.
• Shovel early and often, pushing the snow instead of lifting it.
• If you must lift the snow, lift with your legs. Shovel an inch or two, and then take another inch off. Rest, and repeat if necessary.
• Never remove deep snow all at once; do it piecemeal.
• Be sure to pace yourself and listen to your body. Stop if you feel pain or observe heart attack warning signs that may include chest pain as well as shoulder, neck or arm pain; dizziness, fainting, sweating or nausea; or shortness of breath. If you think you’re having a heart attack, seek medical help immediately. Those most at risk for a heart attack, seek medical help immediately.

Those most at risk for having a heart attack include anyone who has already had a heart attack; individuals with a history of heart disease; those with high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels; smokers and individuals leading a sedentary lifestyle. Children and the elderly are at increased risk for developing hypothermia. Signs that someone may be suffering from hypothermia and are in need of medical assistance can include:
• Sleepiness, confusion or slurred speech
• Difficulty walking
• Uncontrollable shivering
• Cold, pale skin.
If you suspect someone is experiencing hypothermia, help the person get warm again by removing all wet clothing, covering the person with a warm dry blanket, giving the person a hot beverage and allowing them to remain indoors to warm up. Immediately seek medical attention if the initial symptoms are severe or if the person is not improving after 1 to 2 hours of rewarming, or if the person's oral temperature is 93 degrees or below.
Another serious cold injury is frostbite. Signs include numbness, pain or change in color of the nose, ears, face, or extremities. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek shelter immediately. Residents are also reminded to keep pets indoors during extremely cold weather. Under City regulations, all domestic animals must be brought into a heated enclosure at 10°F.

“If you must be outside in the cold, be prepared. Tell someone where you are going and how long you will be outside,” cautions Interim Commissioner Farrow. “Check in on neighbors who live alone, especially seniors.”

For more information, please visit our Website at http://www.baltimoreh....