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Saturday, January 5, 2008
State PRC implements neighbor helping neighbor program
Submitted to El Defensor Chieftain
This winter, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission has published suggestions for winter safety under their Neighbors Helping Neighbors Program. The PRC is asking that if you know someone who is elderly or dependent on life-sustaining or health related equipment (such as a ventilator, respirator or oxygen concentrator), please ensure their needs are met in particular during the cold winter months and possible power outages.
Because winter temperatures in New Mexico can drop significantly below normal, staying warm and safe especially for the elderly can become a challenge.
Extremely cold temperatures often accompany a winter storm; so many in New Mexico may have to cope with power failures and icy roads.
Also, for most elderly people, their ability to feel change in temperature decreases with age. Older people are more susceptible to health problems caused by the cold. By preparing yourself, your home and your family, you can have a safe and warm winter season.
The Public Regulation Commission is urging all New Mexico residents to follow these
simple guidelines:
For the Elderly
Help them stock a home disaster kit that includes a flashlight and extra batteries, a battery-operated radio, bottled water, non-perishables foods, essential medicines, and extra blankets or sleeping bags.
Check on them after a storm or power outage. Register them as a special needs customer with their utility company so they will become a priority customer.
Notify others who can provide help such as neighbors, relatives, nearby friends and local responders, such as the fire department.
Have a list of emergency numbers readily available.
Have a standby generator or an alternative source of power available. Be aware of the safety rules for its use.
If your area is prone to long periods of cold temperatures, or if a home is isolated, stock additional amounts of food, water and medicine.
Ask a friend or relative to de-ice or shovel the walkways and porches to avoid a fall.
Try to stay active. Sitting in one place can make you colder.
Outdoor Safety
Wear loose, lightweight, warm clothing in several layers. Trapped air between the layers acts as an insulator. Layers can be removed to avoid perspiration and subsequent chill.
Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded.
Always wear a hat or cap, half of your body heat can be lost due to an uncovered head.
Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
Mittens, snug at the wrist, are better than gloves because fingers maintain more warmth when they touch each other.
Physical Exertion
Cold temperatures can put an extra strain on your heart. Heavy exertion, such as shoveling snow, clearing debris or pushing a car, increase the risk of heart attack.
Stay warm, dress warm and SLOW DOWN when working outdoors.
Take frequent breaks to avoid over exertion.
If you feel chest pain — STOP and seek help immediately.
Hypothermia
Prolonged exposure to cold temperatures can cause hypothermia, especially in children and elderly people.
Watch for these symptoms:
1. Inability to concentrate
2. Poor coordination
3. Slurred speech
4. Drowsiness
5. Exhaustion
6. Uncontrollable shivering, followed by a sudden lack of shivering
If the 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, noncaffeinated liquids until help arrives.
Frostbite
People working or playing outdoors during the winter can develop frostbite and not even know it.
There is no pain associated with early stages of frostbite, so learn to watch for these danger signs:
1. First, the skin may feel numb and become flushed. Then it turns white or grayish-yellow. Frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch.
2. If frostbite is suspected, move the victim to a warm area. Cover the affected area with
something warm and dry. Never rub the affected area!
3. Then get to a doctor or hospital as quickly as possible.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide poisoning is a silent, deadly killer that claims about 1,000 lives each year in the United States.
Such common items as automotive exhaust, home heating systems and obstructed chimneys can produce the colorless, odorless gas.
The gas can also be produced by poorly vented generators, kerosene heaters, gas grills and other items used for cooking and heating when used improperly during the winter months.
Additional tips to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning:
1. Never run generators indoors. Open a window slightly when using a kerosene heater.
2. Never use charcoal to cook indoors.
3. Never use a gas oven to heat your home.
Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme cold-weather conditions.
By preparing your family, your home in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems and emergencies.
For more information, contact your local Red Cross or the PRC Public Information Office at 505-827-4446.
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