Local authorities remain alert to face the extreme cold we experience both in New York and in Long Island, with dangerous temperatures that fall even below the freezing point with which any wet surface without treating or melted snow could freeze again, creating travel conditions or to walk very dangerous.
According to meteorological forecasts, an even colder (Arctic) climate is expected during the week, as well as thermal sensation that could fall to a single digit or less. Therefore, the Emergency Management Department (NYCEM) offers New Yorkers advice to stay safe, during and after winter storms:
– If you must go outdoors, dress with warm and dry clothes and cage the exposed skin, especially fingertips, ears and nose lobes. Use a hat, a hood, a scarf and gloves to retain body heat.
– The chills are an early warning sign that your body is losing heat; Take it as a signal to return.
– If you have a high heart disease or blood pressure, follow your doctor’s instructions before performing a strenuous activity, since the cold climate exerts additional pressure on the heart. Remember, your body is already working hard to stay hot, so avoid excessive effort.
– Prolonged exposure to cold can cause serious health problems, such as hypothermia, freezing and worsening of chronic heart and pulmonary diseases. Hypothermia occurs when body temperature descends dangerously, with early signs such as chills, dizziness and difficulty speaking, that progress to confusion and superficial breathing.
– Freezing affects the extremities, such as the fingers of the hands and feet, and the face, and begins with redness and pain before causing numbness and pale and cerosa skin. If you suspect there is freezing or hypothermia, call 911 immediately. While he hopes, he transferred the person to a warm place, remove wet clothes and cover it with blankets.
– Outdoor workers, such as construction and public services, face cold -related health impact risks. Employers must implement safe labor practices, provide adequate protection equipment and train workers to recognize cold -related disorders, prevention strategies and proper treatment. Guaranteeing safety in the workplace during winter conditions helps protect employees from the dangers of prolonged exposure to cold climate.
– Calculate additional time for the trip and wait for delays with little or no notification. Use public transport whenever possible.
– If you must drive, do it slowly. Use the main streets or highways to travel whenever possible.
– Always have an emergency kit in your car. It must include items such as blankets, a flashlight, water, snacks, a first aid kit and a snow shovel.
– Be attentive to their friends, family and neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities, functional and access or health problems. Help them prepare if necessary.
– If you need help for daily activities, make arrangements in advance to receive support during the expected climate, and make sure that caregivers are aware and prepared for climatic conditions.
– Load your phones and have a flashlight and batteries. If you run out of electricity and have a disability or use life support equipment and need immediate assistance, call 911. To inform power cuts, falling power lines or damaged electrical equipment, call your energy provider immediately to inform the cut.
Fire security
For fire safety, make sure each room has a smoke alarm that works, try it monthly and change the batteries twice a year. Use only portable heater approved for interiors, maintaining combustible materials, such as furniture and curtains, at a distance of at least three feet.
Never hang clothes on the heaters or leave them on without supervision, especially near children. Always plug the atmosphere heater directly to a wall outlet (never use extension cables or strips) and avoid using heater with damaged cables. Turn off the heating devices when you do not use them to reduce fire risks.
Carbon monoxide poisoning
To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure that all appliances that burn fuel (such as ovens, boilers, water heaters and dryers) are well ventilated and in good operation.
If you are not sure, consult a professional to inspect and repair them. The owners of the buildings must install approved carbon monoxide detectors, while the occupants are responsible for their maintenance.
If you have a fireplace, keep it clean and free of debris. Never use gas stoves, furnaces, coal grills, kerosene, propane or heaters that burn oil to heat your home; Queroseno and Propano atmosphere are illegal in New York City.
The symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which include headache, nausea, dizziness, difficulty breathing and loss of knowledge, can jeopardize life and, in severe cases, cause permanent injuries or death.
Help in NYC
The New York City Emergency Management Department recommends the community to stay informed in this hard winter season. Before and during an emergency, emergency alerts and updates to New York through several channels, including Notify NYC, will be sent.
Register to receive online emergency notifications or call 311. You can also follow @Notifynyc on social networks. And it has more valuable information in On.nyc.gov/winterweather .
Help on Long Island
The Nassau County Emergency Management Office, in Long Island, is monitoring the winter meteorological changes and has open warming centers in Cantiague Park Administration Office, at Wantagh Administration Building and in Mitchel Field Complex Administrative Center in Unionale. If you have a question or concern, contact the EOC 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, calling 516-573-9600. If you see someone who may need shelter during the night, call the Direct Line for homeless people at 1-866-Warmbed (1-866-927-6233).
The Suffolk County Social Services Department reports that additional personnel available to support vulnerable populations in their needs and provide assistance in Long Island. The number for any emergency housing is 631-854-9930 (for services after 4:30 pm and weekends and holidays is 631-854-9100). If you have a question or concern, contact the local government by calling your number for cases that are not emergency at 311.
