The Artic blast has hit the Detroit area and it looks like it’s going to stay a while. With the National Weather Service predictions of  frigid and below zero weather tonight and over the weekend it’s important that people plan ahead to seek and stay warm.

Wayne County communities have opened “warming centers” for during the upcoming cold weather and has published winter survival tips.

“This is the time when Wayne County communities come together to protect those who are less fortunate,” said Executive Warren C. Evans. “Please lend a hand to those who don’t have shelter, and check on elderly or infirm neighbors who are vulnerable to the effects of cold weather.”

The Wayne County Department of Emergency Management and the Department of Health, Veterans and Community Wellness also reminds residents to take steps to protect themselves during extreme cold. Wayne County Emergency Management encourages residents to take the following steps to stay warm throughout the winter months:

Check on those particularly vulnerable to the cold:

 ·         Pay special attention to the elderly, the very young and anyone with a pre-existing medical condition. Residents should check on older neighbors who may be isolated from friends and family.

 “With sub-zero weather come concerns about frostbite which can occur on exposed skin in less than 10 minutes , “said Dr, Mouhanad Hammami, Director of the Department of Health, Veterans and Community Wellness. “Symptoms include the loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, ear tips and tip of the nose. If you see these signs, seek medical care immediately.”

 Additional health and safety tips to beat the cold:

·         The temperature inside your home should be set according to your own activity level, health, and medications. What is an acceptable, fuel-saving temperature for an active family may not be safe for an older person who has difficulty moving or takes certain medications.

·         Insulate water pipes to keep them from freezing.

·         Keep a blanket and/or hats and gloves in your vehicle in the event you are stranded and without heat.    

·         Remove clothing if it gets damp or wet. Wet clothing can make you more prone to hypothermia.

·         Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Symptoms of frostbite can include: loss of feeling and loss of color and usually happens on the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers or toes. Symptoms of hypothermia in adults can include shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss, drowsiness, or slurred speech. In infants, symptoms of hypothermia can include bright red, cold skin and low energy.

·         Remember: Pets get cold too! If it is too cold for you to be outside, it’s too cold for your pet as well. Do not leave cats/dogs outside for prolonged periods of time.

If anyone needs urgent medical treatment, contact 911 immediately. Additional preparedness information is available from FEMA at the following link: https://www.ready.gov/winter-weather.

  City of Detroit, Wayne County, Winter Survival