Low temperatures bring chilling warning Lives at risk when mercury falls

BANGOR – For many, the bitter cold of the past few days seems little more than a nuisance. It means uncomfortable dashes to and from warm places, layers of fleece and flannel, and a car that gasps and wheezes before struggling to life in the morning.

What a lot of people don’t always realize is that the serious cold brings with it serious health hazards. Left unprepared on a frozen night, even the hardiest of souls risks at least extreme discomfort and at worst hypothermia and frostbite.

The National Weather Service in Caribou is predicting that temperatures will drop Friday night with wind chill factors reaching minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit in places. With those conditions, preparedness is the key, said Dr. Erik Steele, an emergency medicine specialist at Eastern Maine Medical Center.

“Between December and March, we will see several incidents of cold-related injuries and problems every week, ranging from hypothermia to various levels of frostbite,” Steele said Wednesday. “Most often it’s from people who have some other problem in addition to the cold – they got in an accident and were stranded on the side of the road, or they got drunk and passed out and woke up with frostbite on their face or hands.”

The Maine Warden Service urges people to check the ice on bodies of water when they’re heading out snowmobiling, snowshoeing or ice fishing, so that falling through the ice into frigid water can be prevented, said Mark Latti, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife spokesman.

“We also tell people who are going out to dress appropriately, and to prepare for a worst-case scenario,” Latti said Wednesday. “It would seem like common sense, but many people don’t let someone know where they’re going to be, when they’re going to be there and when they’ll be back.

“If your snowmobile breaks down and you’re not dressed warmly and no one knows where you are, it can be a serious problem.”

Lynne Coy-Ogan, principal of the Vine Street Elementary School in Bangor, makes sure her pupils and their parents are prepared for the cold by sending out reminders to ensure that children come to school adequately clothed.

“We monitor temperatures, and when it’s really cold we have indoor recess and keep lines inside until school buses arrive,” she said. “We ask parents to label coats, hats, mittens and scarves so that no one goes without protection.”

Those who work outside, such as construction workers and gas station attendants, not only should bundle up but also should make frequent trips indoors to warm up for a bit before heading back out, according to the American Red Cross.

Steele said that there are several things people can do to minimize the effects of the cold and ensure that in the event of an emergency they can stay safe and warm.

“Keeping extra clothes in your car is always important,” he said. “Keep heavy boots, a heavy coat and a blanket in your trunk, so that you can stay warm until help arrives.”

The elderly, the very young and those with certain medical problems are more easily affected by cold than are healthy teenagers and adults, Steele said.

“Their bodies are not as sensitive to cold, so they can get in trouble quickly without even realizing it,” the physician said.

Steele cautioned against drinking too much alcohol on freezing nights, as it can numb one’s senses to the cold. The homeless and the mentally ill also are an at-risk group, as they may be spending more time outdoors than other people. Helping them to find a warm place can mean the difference between life and death in many cases.

“If you’re sensing pain in your toes or ears or hands, you should get help quickly, as that can be an early symptom of potential frostbite,” Steele said. “You should listen to your body – if you feel pain or numbness, you’re probably too cold.”