Cumberland County Older Adults Urged to “Stay Home – Stay Warm”
With wind chills running well below zero over the next 36 hours, all older adults in Cumberland County are being encouraged to “Stay Home - Stay Warm”. Accordingly, all meals and activities at the County’s six senior centers are being canceled for Tuesday, however the centers will be open during normal hours for those who need a place to get warm.
For those age 60 and older with no one to call and nowhere to get warm, emergency assistance may be arranged by calling 240-6110 or 1-888-697-0371 ext. 6110 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. Between 4:30 pm and 8:00 am call 243-4121 or 1-888-697-0371 ext. 4121.
Wind chill temperatures are expected to dip into the -20 to -25 degree range, which means that frostbite can occur in just 30 minutes. Exposed areas like ears, fingers, toes, and noses are the areas most susceptible. Normally, when parts of your body get too cold, they turn red and hurt. Symptoms of frostbite, however, include a loss of feeling and lack of color.
Extremely cold temperature can also cause hypothermia, when the body's temperature dips below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and obvious exhaustion, according to the NWS.
Anyone showing signs of hypothermia or frost bite should seek medical attention immediately.
Family members and neighbors are being urged to check on any older adult living alone, and all older adults are being urged to call someone immediately if their home heating system should fail. Do not wait for hours in the cold.
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