Keep a Kit in Your Car and Call 2-1-1 for the Most Current Warming Center Information.
CONCORD, N.H. – Homeland Security and Emergency Management Director Perry Plummer urges everyone to stay safe this holiday weekend as sub-zero temperatures continue across the State.
“When we’re dealing with extreme cold, minutes outside without the proper clothing can cause serious injury,” Plummer said. “Dress appropriately and have an emergency kit in the car with supplies for each person who is traveling. If you need to get warm, call 2-1-1 for the most current information about the closest warming center.”
Plummer offered the following tips to help residents and visitors to stay safe during the coldweather:
Call 2-1-1 for the most current information regarding warming centers
Dress appropriately:
Dress in layers with a hat, scarf and gloves.
Infants should be in a room in which the temperature is 61-68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Drink plenty of fluids and warm/hot drinks.
Eat regular balanced meals to give you energy.
Keep active when it’s cold, but not to the point where you’re sweating.
Keep dry and change out of wet clothes as soon as possible.
Cut down on alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, since all three cause heat loss.
Try to keep one room in the house warm.
Ask your doctor if you are on any medications that affect your ability to maintain a steady body temperature.
Symptoms of hypothermia include:
Decreased consciousness, sleepiness, confusion, or disorientation
Shivering, pale or blue skin, numbness, poor coordination, slurred speech
In severe hypothermia, shivering decreases or goes away, and the person becomes unconscious and has very shallow breaths.
If you or someone you know may be hypothermic, call 9-1-1.
If you plan to travel over the holiday weekend, be sure to watch the weather reports and plan accordingly.
Go to ReadyNH.gov to download and sign up for NH Alerts to get free weather and emergency warnings for your area.
Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area such as a garage to avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Make sure tires are properly inflated and in good condition
Check windshield wiper fluid
Ensure the vehicle is clear of all ice and snow
Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid the gas line freezing up or running out of gas and becoming stranded.
Bring a fully-charged cell phone and program roadside assistance numbers.
If you become stranded in your vehicle, stay with the vehicle and tie a brightly-colored cloth to the antenna or use other distress signal.
Run the engine and heater just long enough to remove chill to conserve gas.
Update the emergency kits in your vehicles with the items below and be sure to let someone know when and where you will be traveling and when you expect to arrive at your destination.
A shovel
Windshield scraper and small broom
Flashlight
Battery powered radio
Extra batteries
Water
Snack food
Matches
Extra hats, socks and mittens
First aid kit with pocket knife
Necessary medications
Blanket(s)
Tow chain or rope
Road salt and sand
Booster cables
Emergency flares
Fluorescent distress flag