RIEMA urges people to take precautions in extreme cold

THE R.I. Emergency Management Agency is urging people to take precautions as the National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory for the state that is expected to last through Thursday morning.
THE R.I. Emergency Management Agency is urging people to take precautions as the National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory for the state that is expected to last through Thursday morning.

PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Emergency Management Agency is urging people to take precautions as the National Weather Service has issued a wind chill advisory for the state that is expected to last through Thursday morning.

A wind chill advisory is issued when the wind chill index is likely to reach negative 15 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit for at least three hours. Hypothermia and frostbite can develop in 30 minutes if proper precautions are not taken, the agency said.

The agency said that Rhode Islanders should avoid unnecessary exposure to the cold, and if people must venture outside they should wear hats and gloves or mittens. To limit the exposure of bare skin to the cold, the agency recommends that people cover their face and neck. People also should dress in layers.

Other recommendations:

- Advertisement -
  • Remove wet clothes immediately, and warm core body temperature with a blanket.
  • Recognize symptoms of hypothermia: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering; seek medical attention immediately if experiencing any of these symptoms.
  • Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin; seek medical attention for those symptoms.
  • Keep pets inside and limit their exposure to extreme cold.

The agency also said people should place space heaters at least three feet away from anything combustible, including bedding, clothing and wallpaper, and said space heaters should not be left operating if someone is not in the room.
Some Rhode Island communities are offering warming centers. A list can be found HERE.
Providence Public Schools closed today due to the cold, and Johnston schools had a delay of one hour.
In Massachusetts, New Bedford, Fall River and Boston public schools are closed.

No posts to display