Tips for extreme cold weather safety

If the forecast comes true, we could see temperatures today and the coming days reach as low as they've been since 1996. Wind chills could dip as low as minus 20. That means frost bite is possible in fewer than 30 minutes of exposure. Risk for hypothermia increases.

Most of us spend most of our hours indoors, where we are insulated from the dangers. Still, there are some people who must work outdoors. Be careful if you decide to clear off snow in temperatures this cold.

For those who find they must be outside in these extreme conditions, the Centers for Disease control offers these tips:

* Outer layer should be tightly woven and wind- resistant.

* Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers of clothing hold more body heat than cotton.

* Stay dry.

* Avoid getting gasoline or alcohol on your skin.

* Do not ignore shivering, a sign the body is losing heat.

* Avoid exertion; if work is necessary, work slowly. Follow your doctor's advice about shoveling snow.

Hypothermia

The CDC explains that hypothermia is possible in temperatures as high as 40 degrees. Victims of hypothermia often are elderly people with inadequate food or clothing; babies sleeping in cold bedrooms; and people who remain outdoors for long periods. If you notice a person shivering, with confusion, memory loss, slurred speech or drowsiness (or bright red, cold skin with infants), take the person's temperature. The CDC warns to get emergency medical attention if the person's temperature is below 95 degrees.

Fire prevention

The American Red Cross also gives this advice to avoid fires:

* Never use a stove or oven to heat your home.

* If you use a space heater, place it on a level, hard surface and keep anything flammable at least 3 feet away. Turn off space heaters and make sure fireplace embers are out before leaving the room or going to bed.

* If you use a fireplace, use a glass or metal fire screen large enough to catch sparks and rolling logs.

* Never operate a generator inside the home, including in the basement or garage.

* Don't hook a generator up to the home's wiring. Instead, connect the equipment you want to power directly to outlets on the generator.

The extreme cold weather can be dangerous if you're not careful. Please use common sense.