What to know about hypothermia
FLORENCE — While Colbert, Franklin and Lauderdale counties are facing a ice storm warning starting at midnight, several homes and residents may lose power due to the ice.
The threat of hypothermia is real, especially if that home has no alternate heating source should power be lost for several hours or days.
Hypothermia occurs when core body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit. This medical emergency happens when the body loses heat faster than it can produce heat. Regular body temperature is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit.
When body temperature drops, the heart, nervous system and other organs can’t work as well as they usually do. Left untreated, hypothermia can cause the heart and respiratory system to fail and eventually can lead to death, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
Symptoms
They include:
• Shivering.
• Slurred speech or mumbling.
• Slow, shallow breathing.
• Weak pulse.
• Clumsiness or lack of coordination.
• Drowsiness or very low energy.
• Confusion or memory loss.
• Loss of consciousness.
• In infants, bright red, cold skin.
People with hypothermia usually aren’t aware of their condition. Confused thinking associated with hypothermia prevents self-awareness.
Prevention
Stay warm in cold weather
To stay warm in cold weather, remember the acronym COLD — cover, overexertion, layers, dry:
• Cover. Wear a hat or other protective covering to prevent body heat from escaping from your head, face and neck. Cover your hands with mittens instead of gloves.
• Overexertion. Avoid activities that cause a lot of sweat. The combination of wet clothing and cold weather can cause the body to lose heat more quickly.
• Layers. Wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Outer clothing made of tightly woven, water-repellent material is best for wind protection. Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers hold body heat better than cotton does.
• Dry. Stay as dry as possible. Get out of wet clothing as soon as possible. Be especially careful to keep your hands and feet dry.
