Winter Storms: Safety
Take steps to prevent hypothermia
Even in the dead of winter, most of Georgia doesn't get anywhere near as cold as it does in our neighboring northern states. But it does get cold enough to pose a hypothermia threat to the state's older residents.
Hypothermia simply means that the body temperature is too low — usually 95 degrees or lower. It's not just a matter of feeling cold. If not detected and treated in time, hypothermia can be fatal.
Check on the elderly
University of Georgia Cooperative Extension experts say people in their 80s and older are most at risk. So it's important for neighbors and family to check on them in bad weather.
Older people account for about half of all hypothermia victims. Among older people, those who can't afford enough heating and those whose bodies don't respond to cold normally are the most susceptible.
Many older people who can afford to heat their homes still may not keep them warm enough. Those who lived through the Great Depression are often conservative with their spending.
UGA experts say elderly citizens often have poor circulation, too. Many are just not sensitive to body changes, either. They don't realize how cold they are and that makes them more at risk.
An older person's body tissue is more delicate, too. That raises the danger of tissue damage, especially if circulation is poor.
Symptoms of hypothermia
Don't expect people with hypothermia to know it, UGA specialists say. They often don't.
People with hypothermia are likely to have pale, waxy skin, slow breathing and slowed, irregular heartbeat. They may be dizzy and drowsy. Other signs are trembling on one side of the body or in one arm or leg; slurred speech; low blood pressure; momentary blackouts; and fleeting memory.
UGA experts say if you suspect someone has hypothermia, call a doctor. If the symptoms are severe, call for emergency medical help. And while you wait for help, begin the rewarming process.
Rewarm gradually
To rewarm, put the person into a warm bed. Rewarm him or her gradually — rapid rewarming could be fatal.
Don't use hot water bottles and heating pads. They can get too hot and damage the skin. UGA experts say using warm towels out of a clothes dryer is effective.
A warm drink of water or milk can help. So can raising the feet to force blood to the head.
Preventing hypothermia
By far the best treatment, though, is prevention. If you can, keep the room temperature at 70 degrees. A number of other simple, low-cost things can help guard against hypothermia. One of the simplest is to dress warmly and in layers.
UGA experts say dressing in layers is important, because the air trapped between the layers of clothing acts as insulation. Wool is warmest. If you're sensitive to wool, wear a cotton layer underneath. Other fabrics will do, but cotton is best because it wicks away sweat and helps you stay warm.
Wear extras, too. Long underwear, hats, gloves and sweaters can be important protection. Take special care to protect hands and feet, where circulation is often poor.
Flannel sheets, a thermal blanket and a comforter can keep a bed toasty. Wearing socks to bed can help, too.
One thing you definitely shouldn't do is drink an alcoholic beverage. UGA experts say that's the worst thing you could do as alcohol gives the illusion of warmth. It will also make you less alert and less aware of your body condition. You'll be more likely to fall asleep and fail to take appropriate action to protect yourself from hypothermia.
Eating warm, nutritious foods helps, though. So does exercise, within reason.