Extreme Cold In Orange, Rockland: Officials Warn Of Dangers

As temperatures continue to plunge in a rare weather pattern, officials are warning Orange and Rockland County residents to avoid dangers ranging from hypothermia to setting the house on fire. And there's carbon monoxide poisoning, which has almost killed two local families this season: a mother and child in Middletown and a mother and daughter in Carmel.

The freezing cold is affecting the entire state. Some areas of the southern Adirondacks could plunge as low as -40 below zero. Temperatures in the Hudson Valley are forecast to be 15 to 20 degrees below normal with high temperatures remaining below the upper teens to mid-20s and overnight lows reaching the single digits until Tuesday, with one small break Saturday (when it might snow.)

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo urged New Yorkers to take precautions inside and outside.

"Bitterly cold winter temperatures have settled in across the state and New Yorkers need to make sure they are prepared for this dangerously cold weather," said Cuomo in a statement. "I encourage New Yorkers to stay informed and safe during this inclement weather - we will continue to monitor conditions and stand ready to assist any communities in need."

Whatever you do, don't use natural-gas powered kitchen ovens or ranges to heat your home because using these cooking appliances for heating creates a significant risk of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, O&R officials said.

Natural gas-powered appliances in the typical home can range from: heating units, clothes driers, water heaters, stoves and even emergency generators.

Carbon monoxide is a poisonous gas that is invisible, odorless and tasteless. It is formed by the incomplete burning of fuels such as heating oil, wood, gasoline, natural gas, propane and charcoal. Breathing even small amounts can result in headaches, dizziness and nausea. Prolonged exposure can result in more severe illness, or even death. If you experience any of these symptoms, immediately open the windows in your home and seek medical attention.

And don't use charcoal grills indoors for heating or cooking because of the CO risk that also creates. The same warning applies to fireplaces that are not properly ventilated.

Safety tips

Fire Safety

Wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and heaters can add a cozy glow, but make sure you are using them safely.

• Always keep a screen around an open flame.
• Never use gasoline to start your fireplace.
• Never burn charcoal indoors.
• Do not close the damper when ashes are hot.
• When using alternative heat sources such as a fireplace, woodstove, etc. always make sure you have proper ventilation. Keep curtains, towels and potholders away from hot surfaces.
• Have your chimney checked before the season for creosote buildup -- and then clean it.
• Establish a well-planned escape route with the entire family.

Kerosene Heaters

If you use kerosene heaters to supplement your regular heating fuel, or as an emergency source of heat, follow these safety tips:

• Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
• Use only the correct fuel for your unit.
• Refuel outdoors ONLY and only when the unit is cool.
• Keep the heater at least three feet away from furniture and other flammable objects.
• When using the heater, use fire safeguards and ventilate properly.

Staying Warm Indoors

If your heat goes out during the cold weather, you can keep warm by closing off rooms you do not need. Dress in layers of lightweight clothing and wear a cap.

• Turn off space heaters when you're sleeping.

Protecting Water Pipes

To prevent the mess and aggravation of frozen water pipes, protect your home, apartment or business by following the simple steps below.

• Let hot and cold water trickle at night from a faucet on an outside wall.
• Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to un-insulated pipes under a sink or appliance near an outer wall.
• Make sure heat is left on and set no lower than 55 degrees.
• If you plan to be away: (1) Have someone check your house daily to make sure the heat is still on to prevent freezing, or (2) drain and shut off the water system (except indoor sprinkler systems).

If Pipes Freeze

• Make sure you and your family knows how to shut off the water, in case pipes burst. Stopping the water flow minimize the damage to your home. Call a plumber and contact your insurance agent.
• Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch.
• Always be careful of the potential for electric shock in and around standing water.

Outdoor Safety:

To avoid frostbite, stay inside during severe cold. If you must go out, try to cover every part of your body: ears, nose, toes and fingers, etc. Mittens are better than gloves. Keep your skin dry. Stay out of the wind when possible. Drink plenty of fluids since hydration increases the blood's volume, which helps prevent frostbite. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes. Caffeine constricts blood vessels, preventing warming of your extremities. Alcohol reduces shivering, which helps keep you warm. Cigarette use shuts off the blood flow to your hands.

Frostbite First Aid

Until you can get indoors:

• Don't rub or massage cold body parts.
• Drink warm liquids.
• Put on extra layers of clothes, blankets, etc.
• Remove rings, watches, and anything tight.

Once indoors

• Don't walk on a frostbitten foot. You could cause more damage.
• Get in a warm, NOT hot, bath and wrap your face and ears in a moist, warm, NOT hot, towel.
• Don't get near a hot stove or heater or use a heating pad, hot water bottle, or a hair dryer. You may burn yourself before feeling returns.
• Frostbitten skin will become red and swollen and feel like it's on fire. You may develop blisters. Don't break the blisters. It could cause scarring.
• If your skin turns blue or gray, is very swollen, blistered or feels hard and numb even under the surface, go to a hospital immediately.

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is caused by prolonged exposure to cold temperatures, especially in children and the elderly. Watch for the following symptoms: inability to concentrate, poor coordination, slurred speech, drowsiness, exhaustion, and/or uncontrollable shivering, following by a sudden lack of shivering. If a person's body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, get emergency medical assistance immediately. Remove wet clothing, wrap the victim in warm blankets, and give warm, non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated liquids until help arrives.