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Westchester Weathers the Arctic Blast

How to Stay Safe During Subzero Temperatures

An arctic front combined with near 50 mile per hour gusts of wind will blast Westchester County and the surrounding region with subzero temperatures this weekend.

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Cold Warning from Saturday morning through Sunday afternoon, with very low temperatures projected to persist through Monday morning. With the wind chill factor, daytime temperatures on Saturday could plummet to -12°, and are expected to dip further after dark. The forecast also calls for up to two inches of snow on Saturday.

Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins urged residents to take precautions to protect themselves, their families, and their pets from hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related dangers.

Jenkins said: “Residents should limit time outdoors during extreme cold, dress in warm layers, keep pets indoors, and check on vulnerable neighbors and relatives to be sure they have heat. If you must travel, place blankets and emergency supplies in your car before you leave, ensure electric vehicles are adequately charged, keep traditional vehicles fueled, and heat your home safely.”

Health Commissioner Dr. Sherlita Amler emphasized the importance of preparation and awareness during extreme cold conditions.

Amler said: “Before heading outside during this dangerous cold spell, dress yourself and your children in a hat, wrap a scarf around your face or wear a face mask to protect skin, wear gloves, and multiple layers,” Amler said. “Check your tire pressure because it can drop in extreme cold, and if you must spend time outdoors, take frequent breaks to warm up inside. It’s critical to recognize the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.”

Low temperatures can be life-threatening, especially for seniors, infants, and people at increased risk for hypothermia. Warning signs of hypothermia in adults include stumbling, mumbling, fumbling, shivering, slurred speech, and confusion. Infants with hypothermia may appear sluggish, have very low energy, and exhibit bright red, cold skin. If you think that someone is suffering from hypothermia or frostbite, call a medical provider immediately.

Those who are most vulnerable to hypothermia include elderly people with inadequate food, clothing or heating, babies sleeping in cold rooms and people who remain outdoors for long periods, as well as people with alcohol or substance use disorders.

Frostbite can occur quickly and without warning and most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Numbness may develop rapidly, causing individuals to remain outdoors longer than is safe and increasing the risk of permanent injury. Older adults and people with diabetes are especially susceptible due to impaired circulation.

At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, move the person out of the cold or protect any exposed skin—frostbite may be beginning.  Seek immediate medical care. Signs of frostbite include white or grayish-yellow skin, numbness or skin that feels unusually firm or waxy. Victims are often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb.

To avoid hypothermia and frostbite:

  • Dress warmly in layers.
  • Be aware of the wind chill factor.
  • Work slowly when doing outside chores.
  • Bring a buddy and an emergency kit to outdoor recreation.
  • Carry a charged cell phone.

If power is lost:

  • Report outages to your utility provider:
    • Con Edison: 1-800-75-CONED (752-6633)
    • NYSEG: 1-800-572-1131 (electric) or 1-800-572-1121 (gas)
  • Leave a light on to signal when power is restored.
  • Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns instead of candles.
  • Limit opening refrigerator and freezer doors.
  • Never operate generators indoors or in garages, basements, porches, or sheds—even with doors or windows open.
  • Camp stoves and portable grills are for outdoor use

Heat Your Home Safely:

  • Never use ovens, gas stoves, or propane heaters to heat your home.
  • Ensure fireplaces, wood stoves, and combustion heaters are properly vented outdoors.
  • Follow manufacturer instructions for all heating equipment.
  • Use only the fuel intended for each device.
  • Keep space heaters at least three feet from furniture, curtains, bedding, and water sources.
  • Never cover a space heater or place it on furniture.
  • Keep children and pets away from heating equipment.
  • Never add fuel to a heater while it is hot.
  • Never leave candles unattended.
  • Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, if available.

Eligible residents may receive financial help to heat their homes this winter. For information about the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), call United Way’s 2-1-1 or the Westchester County Department of Social Services at (914) 995-3333. Eligibility information is also available at www.myBenefits.ny.gov, and applications can be found at otda.ny.gov/programs/heap.

Westchester County’s Drop-in shelters are also used as warming centers during serious cold weather emergencies. https://socialservices.westchestergov.com/homeless-services

More advice is at: https://emergencyservices.westchestergov.com/ and https://health.westchestergov.com/winter-safety-tips  Follow the Health Department on Twitter @wchealthdept or on Facebook at Facebook.com/wchealthdept.