Record Cold Approaching, NJ Dept. of Health Offers Tips to Protect Health

As blistering cold temperatures approach, the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH) is offering tips to residents on how to protect their health during extreme cold weather.

Record cold temperatures are approaching this week, as temperatures on Thursday and Friday are expected to peak at 18 degrees and 14 degrees respectively, according to the National Weather Service. The NWS issued a hazardous weather outlook stating, wind chill values Thursday night into Friday are forecasted to fall as low of -20 degrees.

The NWS said temperatures should rise by the weekend, as the highs for Saturday and Sunday are expected to be 29 and 43 degrees respectively.

“Exposure to extremely cold temperatures--even for a short time-can cause serious medical conditions,” Department of Health Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd said in a news release. “Dressing warmly and preparing emergency kits for your home and car are the best ways to stay healthy and avoid injury during extreme cold weather. Also, I remind everyone to check on elderly neighbors and relatives to ensure their well-being, including having proper heat during this dangerous cold stretch.”

The DOH commissioner advised residents to take precautions to protect their health during extreme cold. The department provided tips and advice on how to prevent illness and injury due to cold weather:

• Dress in layers while outdoors and remember to wear a hat to help retain body heat
• If you get wet, either from heavy sweating while working or from rain or snow, change into dry clothes as soon as possible
• Eat well and drink adequate fluids during periods of cold stress
• Avoid drinking alcohol since it can accelerate the loss of body heat
• If you will be outdoors in the sun for an extended period, remember to use sunscreen and sunglasses, particularly if you are at higher altitudes
• Stock your car with emergency gear, such as cell phone, jumper cables, flashlight, sand or kitty litter for extra traction, ice scraper, small shovel, and flares and other warning devices
• For long car trips, carry food, water, extra blankets and required medications

Additionally, the Department of Health news release gave tips on how to stay safe indoors. The DOH said residents should make sure their heating systems work and have them checked annually. If anyone experiences heating issues, they should contact their public utility company or landlord for assistance.

To heat your home safely:

• Keep anything that can burn at least three feet away from heating equipment, like the furnace, fireplace, wood stove, or portable space heater
• Have a three-foot “kid-free zone” around open fires and space heaters
• Never use your oven to heat your home
• Remember to turn portable heaters off when leaving the room or going to bed
• Test smoke alarms monthly

For more information, visit the NJDOH website to read the entire news release. Or for a list of warming centers, visit the NJ 211 website.