Press Release
	New York City Department of Health Office of Public Affairs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Sandra Mullin/Lauren Margulies Wednesday, December 28, 2001 (212) 295-5335/5336

With temperatures below freezing and possible wind chills below zero during the next several days, New York City Department of Public Health Commissioner Neal L. Cohen, M.D., today reminded New Yorkers of health and safety precautions to take during the cold weather season.

Dr. Cohen said, "As temperatures have begun to drop below freezing, New Yorkers should dress warmly, in layers, and cover up as much as possible. Infants and the elderly are particularly vulnerable to body heat loss due to cold weather conditions. We all know that precautions should be taken when spending time outdoors during this season; being prepared can help to prevent serious adverse health effects associated with the cold weather."

Body heat can be retained effectively by taking these precautions:

• Wear a hat, hood, or scarf, as most heat is lost through the head;
• Wear layers of clothing, rather than a single outerwear item; layers provide better insulation and greater warmth;
• Keep clothing dry; if your clothes become wet while outside, change into dry clothes as soon as possible.

Extensive body heat loss can lead to hypothermia, a potentially life-threatening condition in which body temperature drops below 96°F. Symptoms of hypothermia include confusion, or mental disorientation, fatigue, and irregular heartbeat. In addition, victims of this condition may experience symptoms such as shivering, slurred speech, memory loss, sleepiness, cool or pale skin, slightly blue lips, or numbness in the hands and feet. If someone is suspected of having developed hypothermia, the person should be brought someplace warm and seen by a medical provider as soon as possible.

Frostbite, another dangerous cold weather condition, can affect any area of the body exposed to cold temperatures - most frequently fingers, toes, ears, and the nose. Frostbite-affected areas of the body should be warmed quickly, using care to avoid intense heat. Like hypothermia, cases of frostbite should be treated by a medical provider.

Alcoholic beverages should be ingested with moderation particularly when the weather is cold. "Alcohol increases one's risk for hypothermia and frostbite, and it can make those conditions worse for a person who has them," Dr. Cohen said.

Precautions should also be taken when staying indoors during the cold weather season:

• Furnaces should be inspected and cleaned if necessary;
• Electric heaters should be used with extreme care to avoid shock, fire, and burns;
• Gas ovens and burners should not be used in place of central heating or portable heaters in one's home.

Additionally, Dr. Cohen reminded New Yorkers that portable fuel-burning heaters continue to be illegal for indoor use in the City.

Tenants with heat or hot water problems that have not been resolved by the building owner, manager, or superintendent should contact the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development at (212) 824-4328.

In addition, low-income seniors may be eligible for a Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) grant to help pay heating and electric bills. Contact the New York City Department for the Aging at (212) 442-1000 (9:00am to 5:00pm).

New Yorkers can access services for the homeless by calling (212) 481-8823 during normal business hours or the Citywide Mobile Outreach Response at (212) 662-2600. The New York City Department of Homeless Services emergency assistance line (1-800-994-6494) is also available 24 hours a day.

#116