First Day of Winter: Tips for Taking Care, Outdoors and In

Dec. 21 is the first official day of winter. With a month of chilly temps behind us and three months of cold in front of us, it's time to pay attention to advice from County Health Commissioner Dr. Patricia Schnabel Ruppert about staying safe and warm.

Here are her tips:

Outdoors:

• Dress warmly in windproof clothing and go indoors when you begin to feel cold. Wear several layers of loose-fitting clothing to trap body heat. Fasten buttons or zippers and tighten drawstrings securely. Don't forget gloves, mittens and a hat that covers the ears.
• Even healthy adults should remember that their bodies already are working overtime just to stay warm, and should dress appropriately and work slowly when doing heavy outdoor chores.
• If you have cardiac problems or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's orders about shoveling or performing any strenuous exercise outside.
• Keep in mind that alcoholic beverages cause the body to lose heat more rapidly.
• If you will be spending time outside, do not ignore shivering - it is an important first sign that your body is losing heat and a signal to quickly return indoors.
• Older adults are especially susceptible to hypothermia and frostbite. People who have older relatives or neighbors should keep an eye on them during the cold, winter months.
• Stock your car with a seasonal emergency kit, including: blankets to keep warm; non-perishable foods and fresh water; a first aid kit; cat litter or sand in case you need traction; jumper cables, flares and a tire pump; maps and a compass, and a stash of plastic bags; and a battery-powered radio, flashlight and an extra supply of batteries.

Indoors:

• The World Health Organization recommends keeping indoor temperatures between 64 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for healthy people. The minimum temperature should be kept above 68 degrees Fahrenheit to protect the very young, the elderly, or people with health problems.
• If you need to use an alternate heating source such as a fireplace or wood stove, be sure to have adequate ventilation to the outside. Without enough fresh air, carbon monoxide fumes can build up in your home and cause sickness or even death. Keep children away from all heaters to avoid accidental burns. Never use a stove or fireplace unless it is properly installed and vented.
• Never use a natural gas or propane stove/oven to heat your home.
• Residents with heat-related problems may contact the Health Department at (845) 364-2585.

"The elderly, infants and young children, people with disabilities, and persons taking medication for chronic health conditions are especially at risk from the cold. If you have at-risk friends, neighbors or relatives, check in on them periodically," said Dr. Ruppert.

Visit http://bit.ly/2gFLaLD for a list of warming centers in your area. A warming center is a heated facility in which residents can find safe refuge from extreme weather.

Visit www.health.ny.gov/environmental/emergency/weather/cold/ and www.ready.gov/winter-weather for more information.