Media contact:
Tyler Sinclair: (216) 263-4545; tsinclair01@cuyahogacounty.us 

CUYAHOGA COUNTY, OH – Cuyahoga County will experience low wind chill temperatures over the weekend. The Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management encourages all residents to limit the amount of time they spend outdoors, dress appropriately, making sure to cover all exposed skin, and be especially careful when operating portable heaters. Residents should be certain to check on neighbors, friends, and family members who may be especially vulnerable to the cold temperatures due to illness, age, or other condition. And remember, if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet, so keep your animals inside.

Additional safety tips include:

• 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 repellant. Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• 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.

The Cuyahoga County Office of Emergency Management’s mission is to protect lives, property, the environment, and the economy. For additional information, contact us at 216-443-5700 or online at ready.cuyahogacounty.us.