The Greenwich Department of Health wants everyone to stay safe when the cold air moves through the area this weekend. The forecasts are predicting temperatures to be frigid with wind chills in the negatives.
“Exposure to cold temperatures, whether indoors or outside, can cause serious or life threatening health emergencies,” said Health Department officials. “Although anyone can be affected, infants, children, the elderly and those with health conditions are particularly at risk. In addition, household pets should not be kept outside during cold weather conditions.”
Here are some tips on staying safe in the extreme cold:
-Emergency Supplies Checklist
* Batteries
* Blankets and extra clothing
* First aid kit
* Flashlight or battery powered lantern
* Battery powered radio and clock
* Non-electric can opener
* Snow shovel and rock salt
* Alternative heat source (example: fire wood for fireplace)
* Special need items (example: diapers, medication)
* No-cook/refrigerated food items, water, etc.
-Preventative Measures
* Listen to weather forecasts
* Conduct annual chimney cleaning and inspection
* Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (battery operated) and test them regularly
* Install an indoor thermometer and outdoor thermometer, if possible
* Insulate water lines to prevent freezing
* Keep small children, pets, the elderly and those with health conditions indoors
* Have reliable transportation and a mobile phone if possible
* Do not use candles if possible
* Never use charcoal/gas grills, camp stoves or generators indoors
* Do not store gasoline indoors
* Use space heaters safely and ensure proper ventilation if they are needed
* Avoid using extension cords for space heaters and other portable equipment
* Never warm up your car in the garage, even if the garage door is open
-Be Safe Outdoors
* Dress warmly by wearing layers of loose clothing with hat, gloves, scarf and insulated shoes
* Limit outdoor exposure including daily exercise routines
* Know outdoor temperature and the effect of wind chill factors on the body
* Keep walkways free of ice and snow to prevent falls
* Avoid the use of alcohol
* Notify someone of your whereabouts when you go out
* Avoid prolonged time outdoors of infants, children, the elderly, those with medical conditions and pets
Emergency Helplines –
Utilities:
Aquarion Water Company 1-800-732-9678
Northeast Utilities 1-800-286-2000
CT Natural Gas Company (203) 869-6900
Local Non-Emergency Phone Numbers:
Town of Greenwich (203) 622-7700
Greenwich Department of Health, Division of Environmental Health (203)-987-1001/622-7838
Greenwich Fire Department non-emergency (203)-622-3950
Greenwich Police Department non-emergency (203)-622-8003
Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Service
American Medical Response (AMR) 1-800-379-7700
Department of Parks and Recreation Tree Division (203)-622-7824
Greenwich Chapter, American Red Cross (203)-869-8444
Greenwich Department of Social Services (203) 622-3800
Connecticut Poison Control 1-800-222-1222
As always, the Health Department says call 911 with any emergencies.
