Frederick County Executive Jan Gardner encourages residents and businesses to be prepared for very low temperatures over the next three nights, as forecast by the National Weather Service. Such frigid weather creates a higher risk of hypothermia, frostbite and carbon monoxide poisoning, especially for older adults, young children and those with chronic medical conditions.
During cold weather, the Emergency Management Division advises residents to:
- Stay indoors and dress warmly. Wear layers of clothing if there is a need to go outside.
- Prepare for power outages.
- Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators away from windows. Never heat a home with a gas stovetop or oven.
- Check on neighbors.
- Fill vehicle gas tanks.
- Recharge cell phones and other electronic devices.
- Do not use open flames, such as candles and kerosene lamps, as a source of light.
- If power is lost, turn off appliances to reduce damage from a power surge when electricity is restored.
- Keep a battery-operated radio and batteries on hand to stay abreast of news.
- Do not leave pets outdoors for a long time during cold weather, as they can suffer hypothermia and serious illness.
People exposed to extreme cold are susceptible to frostbite in a matter of minutes. Areas most prone to frostbite are uncovered skin and the extremities, such as hands and feet. Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster than it can produce.
Resources are available in The City of Frederick and county to assist people affected by severe weather. The Frederick Community Action Agency’s Day Shelter is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and the FCAA Soup Kitchen serves a meal from 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. daily. The Alan P. Linton, Jr., Emergency Shelter operates daily from 6:30 p.m. – 7 a.m.
For a listing of Senior Centers, visit www.FrederickCountyMD.gov/seniorservices. For a listing of Frederick County Public Libraries, visit www.fcpl.org.