STAY WARM

Exposure to cold indoor and outdoor temperatures can cause serious or life-threatening health problems. Infants and older adults are particularly at risk, but anyone can be affected. When the temperature drops this winter, keep these tips in mind:

• Dress warmly in several layers of loose-fitting clothing and stay dry. Wool, silk, or polypropylene inner layers of clothing will hold more body heat than cotton.

• To prevent accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, have your heating system, water heater, and any other gas, oil, or coal-burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year. Never use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove, or other gasoline- or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement, or garage. Install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector and a smoke detector in your home. Test them monthly, and replace batteries twice yearly.

• If you are over age 65, place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor location, and check the temperature often during the winter months. Your ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with age, and older adults are more susceptible to health problems caused by cold.

OUTDOOR FIRE SAFETY

In Louisiana, bonfires and outdoor fires are part of many winter activities. If you take part in festivities that involve building a fire, consider the following safety tips:

• Build fires where they will not spread, away from dry grass and leaves.

• Keep fires small, and don’t let them get out of hand.

• Keep plenty of water and a shovel around to douse the fire when you’re done. Stir it and douse it again with water.

• Never leave fires unattended.

These helpful tips are provided by the U.S. Fire Administration. For more information, visit this Web site.

STAY WELL

Weather-related illnesses also afflict millions during the winter months. From the common cold to influenza, many sicknesses spread from person to person when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, and simple precautions can help stop the spread of those germs.

• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
• Clean your hands often.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Stay home from work when you are sick and check with a health care provider when needed.
• Practice other good health habits, such as getting plenty of rest, managing your stress level and drinking plenty of fluids.

STAY SAFE

Generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas, or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, or camper – or even outside near an open window.

Every home should have at least one working carbon monoxide detector. The detectors batteries should be checked twice annually, at the same time smoke detector batteries are checked.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odorless, colorless gas that can cause sudden illness and death if inhaled. When power outages occur during emergencies such as winter storms, the use of alternative sources of fuel or electricity for heating, cooling, or cooking can cause CO to build up in a home, garage, or camper and to poison the people and animals inside.

Every year, more than 500 people die in the U. S. from accidental CO poisoning. CO is found in combustion fumes, such as those produced by small gasoline engines, stoves, generators, lanterns, and gas ranges, or by burning charcoal and wood. CO from these sources can build up in enclosed or partially enclosed spaces. People and animals in these spaces can be poisoned and can die from breathing CO.

Important CO Poisoning Prevention Tips

• Never use a gas range or oven to heat a home.
• Never use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.
• Never run a generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open, unless the equipment is professionally installed and vented. Keep vents and flues free of debris, especially if winds are high. Flying debris can block ventilation lines.
• Never run a motor vehicle, generator, pressure washer, or any gasoline-powered engine outside an open window, door, or vent where exhaust can vent into an enclosed area.
• Never leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
• If conditions are too hot or too cold, seek shelter with friends or at a community shelter.
• If CO poisoning is suspected, consult a health care professional right away.