Page 18 - Sports Energy News, Cornwall, Issue No 120

18 Issue #120 January 2023 www.sportsenergynews.com

Cornwall Fire Services

with Deputy Chief Leighton Woods

Here’s How to Stay Safe in Winter

Snow, snow, and more snow. That’s what’s in store for our city in the next few months.
Did you know that you can help first responders — including firefighters — by doing one small thing when you’re clearing your
driveway? We ask that you clear your house number identification — better known as your address — of any snow.
That way, if there ever happens to be an emergency, we will know exactly where to go.
Speaking of emergencies, you can prevent them by doing several little things around the house. That includes cleaning your exhausts
— furnace, gas, hot water heater, and your dryer.
While you’re at it, why not get your furnace, fireplace, or chimney inspected? Every year, blocked chimneys and fireplaces account for several fires
and carbon monoxide poisoning.
You know what else increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning? Heating your home with your gas oven, running a power generator inside, and
warming up your car inside your garage.
You should also ensure that the heaters you use throughout the winter are specifically designed for interior use. Some propane heaters shouldn’t be used
indoors. Those that are approved have safety sensors that shut off in low oxygen environments. Always be sure to read the labels and instructions on
heaters and follow manufacturers’ recommendations.
Never leave your heaters near combustible material such as curtains, towels, furniture, or kid toys. A good way of staying safe is to keep a three-foot zone
clear around any heating equipment. You should also always turn off your space heaters when you leave a room or go to sleep.
While you’re at it, make sure to always test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. If your models use replaceable batteries, change the batteries now
rather than wait for them to run low. Get new smoke alarms if they are more than ten years old and replace carbon monoxide alarms that are more than
five years old.
Yet dangers don’t just occur inside. When venturing outside, always dress for the weather, and if you happen to be going for a walk or a hike, make sure
to let someone else know of your plans.
Stay safe!

Cornwall SDG Paramedic Services

By Wayne Markell

Be Careful in the Cold this Winter

We’ve all felt it — a cold wind gust on a crisp, winter day. Cold can be very dangerous in several ways,
including frostbite and hypothermia.
A normal body temperature is approximately 37°C or 99ºF. When your core body temperature drops by 1 or 2ºC (1.8 or 3.6ºF),
or your body is exposed to severe cold, it increases your risk of harmful effects.
When the temperature drops below 0ºC (32ºF), blood vessels close to the skin constrict to protect the core body temperature.
When your body is exposed to the cold for a long period of time, blood flow to your hands, feet, nose, and ears can be severely
restricted. The combination of poor circulation and extreme cold can lead to frostbite.
Mild frostbite is known as frostnip. At that stage, although your skin will appear yellow or white, it will still be soft to the touch. Normal colour
returns to the skin once the area is warmed.
Severe frostbite, on the other hand, can cause severe damage to the skin if not treated immediately.
Nerve damage occurs and frostbitten skin becomes discoloured and turns black. After some time, nerve damage becomes so severe that you will lose
feeling in the affected area and blisters will occur. If the skin is broken and becomes infected, gangrene can set in which can result in loss of limbs.
If you suspect you have severe frostbite, get medical attention right away. While you are waiting for help to arrive, begin treating it by warming up
the area.
To prevent frostbite, always wear appropriate clothing that is made for the weather.
Hypothermia can also occur in severe cold. When your body temperature drops by 1 or 2ºC (1.8 or 3.6ºF), you start shivering, get goose bumps
Continued on page 19