For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Nov. 21, 2018

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Wakefield Police Department Offers Cold Weather Safety Tips

WAKEFIELD — In anticipation of below freezing temperatures this week, Chief Rick Smith and the Wakefield Police Department would like to provide the community with several important safety tips in the event of inclement weather.

The National Weather Service predicts temperatures for the Boston area to be in the 30s and 20s today and throughout the week, with temperatures dipping into the teens during the evening.

Given the cold weather Massachusetts will be feeling this week, the Wakefield Police Department would like to advise residents to take some precautions in order to stay safe and warm outside and inside.

“To best ensure everyone’s safety, we ask that residents follow these important safety tips to protect themselves during this cold weather,” Chief Smith said. “Everyone should be especially cognizant of weather conditions and outdoor activities on Thanksgiving, which is expected to be the coldest day of the week.”

The Wakefield Police Department advises residents to follow these tips from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency:

• Minimize outdoor activities for the whole family, including pets.
• If outside, dress in several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing instead of a single heavy layer. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear a hat, mittens (not gloves) and sturdy waterproof boots to protect your extremities. Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.
• Know the symptoms of and watch out for cold-related illnesses.

— Frostbite is the freezing of the skin and body tissue. Symptoms include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, earlobes, face and the tip of the nose. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, move them to a warm location, cover exposed skin, but do not rub the affected area. Seek medical attention immediately.

—  Hypothermia occurs when your body temperature is abnormally low, and is life-threatening. Symptoms include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, memory loss and slurred speech. If someone is experiencing these symptoms, take their temperature. If it is below 95 degrees, seek medical attention immediately. Get the victim to a warm location. Warm the center of the body first by wrapping the person in blankets or putting on dry clothing. Give them warm, non-alcoholic beverages if the person is conscious.

• For your car, check your antifreeze, battery, defroster, windshield wipers, wiper fluid and other vehicle equipment to make sure they are ready for winter driving.
• Ensure you have sufficient heating fuel, as well as alternate emergency heating equipment in case you lose electricity. When utilizing alternate heating sources, such as an emergency generator, your fireplace, wood stove, or space heater, take necessary safety precautions:

— Keep a fire extinguisher handy and ensure everyone knows how to use it properly.
— Never heat your home with a gas stove or oven or charcoal barbecue grill.
— Make sure all heating devices are properly ventilated and always operate a generator outdoors and away from your home. Improper heating devices can lead to dangerous carbon monoxide buildup in the home.
— Test smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause flu-like illness or death. If you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning, call 911 immediately, get the victim to fresh air and open windows.

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