Media contacts:     
Christopher Harris:  (216) 698-7157 or cbharris@cuyahogacounty.us
Rich Luchette:  (216) 698-5637, (216) 797-0931 or rluchette@cuyahogacounty.us




CUYAHOGA COUNTY – Cuyahoga County may experience dangerously cold temperatures next week, January 6 - 8, 2014. County residents are reminded that extreme cold is a hazardous situation that can result in injuries or death.  If extreme cold weather occurs, residents should keep these safety tips in mind:

• Stay indoors as much as possible.
• If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.  Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent.  Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Keep dry.  Change wet clothing frequently to avoid a loss of body heat.  Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly. 
• Watch for signs of frostbite.  These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ears and the tip of the nose.  If symptoms are present, get medical help immediately.
• Watch for signs of hypothermia.  These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion.  If symptoms of hypothermia are detected, get the victim to a warm location, remove wet clothing, warm the center of the body first and give warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the victim is conscious.  Get medical help as soon as possible.
• Check on elderly or disabled relatives, friends or neighbors. 
• Ensure adequate ventilation if you must use a kerosene heater.
• Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use – don’t substitute.
• Do not use a gas range or oven to heat your home.  Ovens and stoves are designed to cook food, not heat your kitchen.  Prolonged use can result in dangerous levels of carbon monoxide in your home.
• Do not place a space heater within 3 feet of anything that may catch on fire, such as drapes, furniture, or bedding, and never cover your space heater. 
• Monitor weather broadcasts, the National Weather Service website, or other news sources for current information on possible Extreme Cold Weather Conditions. 
• The Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management’s mission is to protect lives, property, the environment, and the economy.  For a complete listing of Extreme Cold Weather Safety Tips, visit: https://ready.cuyahogacounty.us/pdf_ready/en-US/Be%20Ready/At-A-Glance/SnowStormsExtremeCold.pdf