Residents Urged to Take Precautions During Extreme Cold Weather

Mayor Angel Taveras and Providence Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director Peter Gaynor today encouraged residents to take steps to protect themselves from the extreme cold weather in the coming days. According to the National Weather Service, temperatures are expected to dip into the single digits, with the wind chill factors pushing temperatures below zero.

Residents in need of assistance should contact the United Way's 211 telephone call center to request assistance. In the event of an emergency, always dial 911.

Exposure to extreme cold weather can cause hypothermia and frostbite. If you suspect a person is suffering from frostbite or hypothermia, bring him or her someplace warm and seek medical help immediately.

Symptoms of hypothermia include:

• Hypothermia: includes slurred speech, sluggishness, confusion, dizziness, shallow breathing, unusual behavior, and slow, irregular heartbeat.
• Frostbite: includes gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, and waxy-feeling skin.

Cold Weather tips

• Dress in layers, as they provide better insulation and warmth
• Wear a hat or hood to keep heat from escaping the body
• Keep your pets inside
• Check on your elderly neighbors