Remaining safe when the cold weather returns

Jan. 09--Although it will reach above freezing this week, colder-than-average temperatures are expected to return.

Whether you're outdoors for recreation or snow removal, Ottawa County Department of Public Health spokeswoman Kristina Wieghmink encourages residents to be proactive for cold weather and emergencies.

"Taking preventative action is your best defense," she said. "By preparing in advance for winter emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related problems."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages children and adults to wear a hat, gloves or mittens, scarf or mask to cover mouth and face, water-resistant boots, water-resistant coat, and several layers of loose-fitting clothes.

Hypothermia and frostbite

Being exposed to cold temperatures can lead to hypothermia and frostbite.

Signs of hypothermia in adults include shivering, fumbling hands, exhaustion, slurred speech, memory loss, drowsiness and confusion. Infants might have cold, bright-red skin and low energy, according to the CDC.

Frostbite symptoms include pain or redness in the skin, numbness, unusually warm or waxy-feeling skin, or grayish-yellow skin. The fingers, nose, ears, toes, chin and cheeks are most affected by frostbite.

People should seek medical attention immediately if their body temperature falls below 95.

Don't overdo it

Regardless of whether you're outdoors for recreation or shoveling, it's important to not to overdo it since cold weather "puts an extra strain on the heart," according to the "Extreme Cold Prevention Guide" by the CDC and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

The agencies encourage you to work slow and dress warm when you're outdoors.

Winter will return

On Thursday, temperatures could reach the upper 40s before dropping below freezing again on Friday when a cold front moves in, said Ernie Ostuno, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids.

A snowstorm is expected Friday night through Saturday, and it will bring in arctic air. If the storm materializes, Ostuno said our area can expect repeat lake-effect snow and frigid temperatures similar to what we experienced around Christmas and New Year's Day.

Early next week, high temperatures are expected to be in the teens.

Average highs for this time of year are in the upper 20s to about 30. Average nightly lows are around 20.

As we gear up for the next round of snow and cold weather, Ostuno encourages you to be cautious.

"Watch out for Friday night -- that could be the big event," he said. "And Sunday and Monday with lake effect could be some more big travel problems."

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