Take precautions; extreme cold can lead to medical emergencies
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By Christa Jennings
Senior Staff Writer
With extreme cold expected over the weekend, area residents are encouraged to take precautions to protect against the cold.
As of press time Coosa County is among several counties under a Cold Weather Advisory from midnight through 12 p.m. Saturday and under an Extreme Cold Watch from Saturday afternoon through Sunday morning.
The National Weather Service of Birmingham stated that for the Cold Weather Advisory, extremely cold wind chills as low as 1 degree are expected in the north and 10 to 15 degrees in the southeast. For the Extreme Cold Watch, the NWS reports dangerously cold wind chills as low as 1 degree possible in the north and 5 to 10 degrees in the southeast.
As of press time, for Coosa County the projected wind chill is between 8 and 9 degrees tomorrow morning and 2 to 3 degrees Sunday morning.
The NWS cautions that frostbite and hypothermia can occur if unprotected skin is exposed to these temperatures, and an extended period of subfreezing temperatures could cause pipes to burst.
Individuals are advised to dress in layers; including a hat, face mask and gloves; if they must go outside and to make frequent checks on older family, friends and neighbors. Those who do not have heat in their homes or who lack shelter can call 211 or visit 211connectsalabama.org for assistance locating shelter from the cold.
NWS further advises that to prevent freezing and possible bursting of pipes, they should be wrapped, drained, or allowed to drip slowly.
The Alabama Department of Public Health, or ADPH, is also urging the public to recognize the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite and to take extra precautions during periods of extreme cold. In addition, the ADPH reminds everyone that special precautions are needed when using generators.
ADPH stated that hypothermia is a medical emergency that can be fatal. Hypothermia occurs when the body’s core temperature falls below 95 degrees, just a few degrees less than the normal body temperature.
When exposed to cold, the body begins to lose heat faster than it produces it. In very low temperatures, hypothermia can occur in minutes.
The ADPH Center for Health Statistics reports there were 11 hypothermia-related deaths in Alabama in 2024, 13 in 2023, and 18 in 2022.
ADPH reports that frostbite is most common on exposed skin; such as the cheeks, nose and ears; but that it can also affect the hands and feet. Early warning signs include numbness, loss of feeling, or a stinging sensation.
If someone suspects frostbite, get the person out of the cold immediately and slowly warm the affected area; do not rub it, as this can damage the skin. If numbness persists, seek emergency care.
ADPH shares that the signs and symptoms of hypothermia are as follows:
Adults:
- Shivering
- Exhaustion or feeling very tired
- Confusion
- Fumbling hands
- Memory loss
- Slurred speech
- Drowsiness
Babies:
- Bright red, cold skin
- Very low energy
Frostbite:
Any of the following signs may point to frostbite:
- A white or grayish-yellow skin area
- Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
- Numbness
If unable to get help right away, try to warm the person up:
- Get the person into a warm room or shelter.
- Remove any wet clothing the person is wearing.
- Warm the center of the person’s body – chest, neck, head, and groin – using an electric blanket, if available. You can also use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
- Warm drinks can help increase body temperature, but do not give alcoholic drinks. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
- After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrap them in a warm blanket, including the head and neck.
- Get the person proper medical attention as soon as possible.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, victims of hypothermia are often:
- Older adults with inadequate food, clothing, or heating
- Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms
- People who remain outdoors for long periods – people experiencing homelessness, hikers, hunters, and others
- People who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.
Guidance and graphics about preventing hypothermia and frostbite precautions are available at www.cdc.gov/winter-weather/prevention.
Generator safety:
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that kills. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning from generators, be sure to follow manufacturer’s instructions.
- Always use generators outdoors and at least 20 feet from windows, doors and attached garages.
- Always connect the generator to appliances with heavy-duty extension cords.
- Keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding. Touching a wet generator or device connected to one can cause electrical shock.
