NEW YORK With weather forecasts of bitter cold, the Nassau County Department of Health reminds residents that they can help protect themselves and their families by taking the following actions:
Dressing
Dress with several layers of light clothing rather than one heavy garment. Trapped air acts as a body insulator and allows the body to retain its heat. Wear wool sweaters, long underwear and gloves. Wrap up in a blanket, if necessary.
Cover the head and ears with a hat or scarf since much heat-carrying blood flows through the many blood vessels of the scalp and ears and an uncovered head radiates heat rapidly.
Stay dry. Body heat is lost through damp clothing by evaporation.
Drink warm liquids and eat. Food is the fuel for the body.
Do not drink alcoholic beverages since alcohol tends to dilate blood vessels, increasing the flow of blood through the skin and, thereby, losing internal body heat.
Take particular care with young children, senior citizens and persons whose natural body responses to cold are inhibited as a result of certain medical conditions or medications.
Frostbite
There is no pain associated with the early stages of frostbite.
Skin may first feel numb and become flushed. Then it can turn white or grayish-yellow. Frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch.
If frostbite is suspected, move the victim to a warm area. Cover the affected area with something warm and dry. NEVER RUB IT!
Get to a doctor or hospital AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE!
For tips on what to do if your heat goes out in NYC, go to, http://www.nyc.gov
Newark
Mayor Cory A. Booker today reminded Newark residents that as cold temperatures hit the region, the city's hotline to report heat emergencies is active. Continuing through May 1, 2009, tenants in unheated apartments can make complaints directly to the City of Newark's "No Heat Hotline" at (973) 733-6471.
By law, landlords are required to provide their tenants in the City of Newark with a minimal temperature of 68 degrees between 6 a.m. and 11 p.m., and 65 degrees from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m., from October 1, 2008, through May 1, 2009.
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