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 These forecasted temperatures have the potential
to be the coldest conditions we have experienced since the polar
vortex that occurred in January 2019. Current forecast models
indicate arctic air will move into Illinois today and will last
through Monday. The National Weather Service indicates wind chills
could reach -25 in northern Illinois, -20 in central Illinois, and
single digits in southern Illinois.
With these extreme temperatures and dangerous wind chills, the
Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) warns that frostbite
could set in on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes. With that
in mind, state public safety agencies want to remind residents to
limit unnecessary travel during this period. If you must travel,
call ahead of time to ensure that normal operating hours are still
in place. This is particularly true for those venturing out for
COVID-19 vaccination appointments at drive-thru clinics or seeking
COVID testing at outdoor testing sites.
“There are dangerous health conditions that can occur specifically
in severe winter weather,” said Illinois Department of Public Health
Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike. “It’s important to watch for signs of
extreme cold. Knowing the warning signs of dangerously cold weather
and the health conditions they can cause can help you stay safe and
healthy.”
IDPH reminds people of the health dangers of extreme low
temperatures and tips on how to stay warm.
Frostbite
Parts of the body most commonly affected by frostbite due to exposed
skin include the face, ears, hands, and feet. Frostbitten skin is
whitish and stiff, and the area will feel numb rather than painful.
To treat frostbite, warm the affected part of the body gradually.
Wrap the frostbitten area in blankets, sweaters, coats, etc. and
seek medical attention immediately. Do not rub frostbitten areas
because the friction can damage the tissue.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia is caused by a drop in body temperature to 95 degrees
Fahrenheit (F) or less and can be fatal if not detected promptly and
treated properly. Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk
of hypothermia. Signs of hypothermia include:
· Shivering
· Exhaustion
· Confusion
· Drowsiness
· Slurred speech
· Weak pulse
· Slow heartbeat
· Infants may experience bright red, cold skin.
Do not try to treat hypothermia at home. The condition should be
treated in a hospital.
Dressing for the cold
If you need to be outside, the following suggestions will help keep
you warm and protect your body from excessive heat loss.
· Wear several layers of lightweight clothing rather than one or two
layers of heavy garments. The air between the layers of clothing
acts as insulation to keep you warmer.
· Cover your head. You lose as much as 50 percent of your body heat
through your head.
· Wear mittens rather than fingered gloves.
· Wear warm leg coverings and heavy socks or two pairs of
lightweight socks.
· Wear waterproof boots or sturdy shoes that give you maximum
traction.
· Cover your ears and the lower part of your face. The ears, nose,
chin, and forehead are most susceptible to frostbite. Cover your
mouth with a scarf to protect the lungs from directly inhaling
extremely cold air.
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Traveling in the Cold
Public safety officials are reminding the public to always
reconsider travel plans during inclement weather and ask if your
trip is necessary or if it can wait. If you must travel, the
possibility of scattered slick spots increases considerably during
subzero temperatures, especially overnight and on ramps, overpasses,
bridges and shaded areas. High winds can decrease visibility may be
reduced in rural and open areas.
“The team at IDOT will be monitoring the roads, treating them as
necessary, and assisting motorists as needed,” said Acting Illinois
Department of Transportation Secretary Omer Osman. “Please make sure
to have the necessary supplies and equipment in your vehicle should
you encounter problems, and do not leave your vehicle in the event
of a breakdown. Call for help and wait for assistance to arrive.”
If you must travel, please remember to share the road. Illinois law
requires drivers to change lanes when approaching police, first
responders and broken-down vehicles. Also, slow down when
approaching snow plows and maintenance vehicles, providing them
plenty of room to operate.
Current road conditions are available 24/7 at
www.GettingAroundIllinois.com. Before you leave your home, make sure
your vehicle is equipped with an emergency kit. “Preparing well in
advance of winter weather is really the best way to cope with
dangerous winter weather,” said Alicia Tate-Nadeau, IEMA Director.
“Now is the time to prepare your vehicle and house for winter
conditions. Make sure you have blankets, non-perishable food, boots,
extra clothing and other items in your car in case you are stranded
or waiting for a tow. At home, make sure you have enough essential
items to ride out a storm or should you lose power.”
Home Heating Tips
Proper home heating is a critical issue during the winter months,
and over time has proven deadly for many families. Every year, more
than 400 people die in the U.S. from accidental carbon monoxide (CO)
poisoning. CO is found in fumes produced any time you burn fuel in
cars or trucks, small engines, stoves, lanterns, grills, fireplaces,
gas ranges, or furnaces. CO can build up indoors and poison people
and animals who breathe it.
• Never use a generator inside your home, basement or garage.
• Do not use a stove or oven as a home heating sources
• If using a space heater, keep it at least three feet away from
flammable items such as curtains, blankets and sofas.
• Know the signs for carbon monoxide poisoning: headache, dizziness,
weakness, upset stomach, vomiting, chest pain and confusion.
Neighbors Helping Neighbors
Over the course of the next few days, Governor Pritzker encourages
people in affected areas to check on elderly neighbors who may be in
need of assistance. Statistics show 46-percent of individuals expect
to rely on the people in their neighborhood for assistance within
the first 72 hours after an emergency or disaster. “We need to reach
out to our friends and neighbors. If you know of someone who needs
help, please contact your local law enforcement officials.”
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |
