As I write this article, we are enjoying a thaw amid our winter season. Don’t take this for granted, as we are guaranteed a few more bursts of Arctic air from old winter before we are rewarded with the inevitable glory of spring.
Remain vigilant about the basic considerations of cold-weather preparedness, whether those temperature dips last for a day, a week or a month.
Some of the most common calls during periods of extreme cold weather involve animal welfare, as well as concerns from travelers or neighbors regarding animals kept outside year-round. While each situation is unique and many times the animals do have their basic needs met, it is important for animal owners to understand the effects of cold weather on their specific pets and what actions should be taken to prevent suffering.
On the road: If you are traveling, make sure you have a winter emergency kit in your vehicle. Items to include are candles and matches, a flashlight, a pocketknife, snacks, a cellphone adapter, a blanket and extra clothing. Also, if you haven’t already, have your vehicle tuned up and your tires checked.
Health risks: With wind chills of minus 20 to minus 35 degrees, there is an increased risk of frostbite and hypothermia. If you must venture outdoors, be sure to wear a hat and gloves. Frostbite can occur in less than 30 minutes under these conditions. Symptoms include a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in the fingers, toes, ear tips and the tip of the nose. Limit your time outdoors. If you notice these signs, seek medical care immediately.
Hypothermia is also a danger in these conditions. It occurs when your body temperature drops below 95 degrees. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, disorientation, slurred speech and drowsiness. Again, limit outdoor activity and seek medical care if these symptoms appear.
Never run a gasoline or propane heater or a grill (gas or charcoal) inside your home or an unventilated garage. Any heating system that burns fuel produces carbon monoxide. Use battery-powered carbon monoxide detectors where fuel-burning devices are present but no electric outlets are available, such as in tents, cabins, RVs and boats with enclosed cabins.
Never run a car in an enclosed space. If a vehicle is running, a door must be open to the outside. Generators should be operated a safe distance from the home. Never run a generator inside a home or garage, or near windows or doors.
Breathing carbon monoxide displaces oxygen in the blood and can cause death within minutes at high levels. Symptoms of carbon monoxide exposure are often mistaken for the flu and include headaches, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath or chest pain, nausea or vomiting, and confusion. If you experience any of these symptoms, or if a carbon monoxide detector sounds an alarm, go outside immediately for fresh air and call 911.
It is my hope that the worst of the cold weather is behind us, but it is better to be prepared for the worst and experience the best than to prepare for the best and be caught off guard by the worst. Stay safe.
