From Harford County Government:
(Bel Air, MD) – Harford County Government officials have expressed concerns regarding the subfreezing temperatures which have hit the county and most of the State of Maryland. The National Weather Service is forecasting subfreezing temperatures to remain throughout the next several days.
“Our weather is going to be deadly cold the next few days and we are very concerned for our elderly and homeless population,” said County Executive David R. Craig. “Preparation for this bitter cold weather is essential for survival,” remarked the County Executive.
The Harford County Department of Community Services in cooperation with the Harford County Health Department and Harford County Division of Emergency Operations is urging homeless individuals to seek shelter, particularly during the evening hours and avoid as much as possible the bitter cold. According to health department officials, prolonged exposure to the frigid temperatures can cause body temperature to drop significantly which may lead to hypothermia, and can result in fatal consequences.
For those who venture out into the cold, the following safety tips are recommended:
• Wear appropriate outdoor clothing: layers of light, warm clothing, gloves, hats, scarfs and waterproof boots.
• Cover exposed areas of the body to help prevent frostbite.
• Conserve energy and limit outside activities during the cold spell.
• Be aware of the wind chill factor.The Harford County Department of Community Services has initiated the
County’s Freezing Weather Plan. The Plan will remain in effect through the duration of the severe weather event. Additionally, the Harford County Health Department is offering safety precautions via their website at www.harfordcountyhealth.com.To assist the homeless and those needing shelter during the day and evening hours, the Harford County Public Library will operate the following branches during the hours and locations listed:
Aberdeen Library
2510 Tollgate Road
Aberdeen, MD 21001
410-273-5608Abingdon Library
21 Franklin Street
Abingdon, MD 21009
410-638-3990Mon & Wed: 10 am – 8 pm
Tue & Thurs: 1 pm – 8 pm
Fri & Sat: 10 am – 5 pm
Sun: 1pm – 5 pm
From the Harford County Health Department:
Bel Air, MD – January 23, 2013 – With the arrival of frigid winter weather, the Harford County Health Department reminds residents to take necessary precautions to prevent serious health and safety concerns. Preparing for exposure to colder temperatures can mean the difference between staying healthy and the possibility of serious injury or even death.
When exposed to cold temperatures, the human body loses heat faster than it generates it. Prolonged exposure to cold eventually uses up the body’s stored energy and can result in a serious condition called hypothermia, characterized by abnormally low body temperature. Hypothermia is most likely to occur at very cold temperatures, but can occur even at temperatures above 40° F, if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat or submersion in cold water. Harford County Health Officer, Susan Kelly warns, “This condition affects the brain, making victims unable to think clearly or move well. This is particularly dangerous because a person might not be aware of what is happening and may not do anything about it.”
Frostbite is another injury to the body caused by freezing, and results in a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is increased in people with reduced blood circulation and among people who are not dressed properly for extremely cold temperatures.
Cold weather also puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow, chopping wood or performing other hard work in the cold. Otherwise, if you have to do active outdoor chores, dress warmly and work slowly. Because the body already is working hard just to stay warm, it is possible to get overheated, as well.
The Health Department recommends the following tips to help keep you and your family safe and healthy during extremely cold weather:
• Try to stay indoors when weather is extremely cold, especially if winds are high.
• If you must go outdoors, make trips outside as brief as possible.
• When going outside during very cold weather, adults and children should wear:
o a hat
o a scarf or knit mask to cover face and mouth
o sleeves that are snug at the wrist
o insulated and waterproof mittens or gloves
o several layers of loose-fitting, thermal wear or material that “wicks” moisture off the skin
o a water-resistant or tightly woven coat
o two layers of socks with boots or shoes that are waterproof and have a flexible soleWalking on ice is also extremely dangerous. Many cold weather injuries result from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, driveways and porches. Keep your steps and walkways as free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another chemical deicing compound. Sand or even cat litter may also be used on walkways to reduce the risk of slipping.
To find more cold weather safety tips and to view weekly DHMH Cold Weather Reports posted each Wednesday, visit http://dhmh.maryland.gov/winterrpts or the DHMH homepage at www.dhmh.maryland.gov and click on “Cold Weather Facts” under “Hot Topics.”. More information also is available on the Harford County Health Department website, www.harfordcountyhealth.com .
I don't understand says
how the County government took on the responsibility of informing residents about the weather. Is there enought of this information on television? Don’t we, as human beings, know by now how to take care of ourselves? From my perspective, the weather is not that severe. That’s nice that libraries assist the homeless. So, let the libraries make their own posts. I would rather see this act of charity being offered by churches, and perhaps it is but I am unaware. Furthermore, the County Health Department sounds more like my doctor. Are the lines getting blurred just a bit? Back in the day before all this technology to communicate, we took care of ourselves; relied on ourselves; talked to neighbors; and helped each other out. It seems to me that the more the government interferes with this process (no matter how well-intentioned it may be), the more dependent we will come over time.