Incoming Cold Leads to Public Health Concerns

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Incoming Cold Leads to Public Health Concerns

GRAND RAPIDS, MI. (Jan. 17, 2025) — A period of extreme weather is forecast to impact Kent County Sunday, Jan. 19 through Wednesday, Jan. 22, as the coldest air felt in recent years builds in from the north. With daytime highs in the teens to single-digits and overnight temperatures occasionally dipping below zero, the Kent County Health Department (KCHD) and Kent County Animal Shelter (KCAS) want to share important public health reminders with the community.

“This polar air mass presents serious risks to health and safety," said Mindy Hunsinger, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator at the KCHD. "The combination of freezing temperatures, brisk winds, and snow will create hazardous conditions. We encourage all residents to take precautions and to check on neighbors and family members."

Prolonged exposure to cold can lead to frostbite, hypothermia, and other health hazards, with infants and older adults being most vulnerable. If you must go outside, please follow these guidelines to protect yourself:

• Dress in layers to trap warm air and regulate body temperature. Be sure to cover your fingers, toes, nose, and ears.
• Stay dry by wearing waterproof outer layers and boots. Quickly remove any clothes that do become wet and never place feet or socks into wet boots.
• Know the signs of hypothermia. Common symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, confusion, and loss of coordination.
• Know the signs of frostbite. Common symptoms of frostbite include numbness, tingling or stinging, aching, and bluish or pale, waxy skin.

Heating your home safely during periods of extreme cold is essential to prevent fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Follow these tips to stay safe while staying warm:

• Be cautious when using space heaters. Place space heaters on a flat, stable surface at least three feet away from anything flammable, such as curtains, bedding, or furniture. Turn off space heaters before leaving the room or going to sleep.
• Never use an oven or stovetop to heat your home. Using an oven or stovetop to heat your home can lead to dangerous levels of carbon monoxide while also posing a fire risk. Stick to safe, approved heating methods.
• Install and maintain carbon monoxide detectors. Ensure your home has working carbon monoxide detectors on every level and check the batteries regularly.
• Practice generator safety. Only use generators outdoors, placing them at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents. Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage, even if doors or windows are open. 

While residents take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones, it is equally important to ensure the safety and well-being of pets and livestock during harsh winter conditions.

“These conditions can be life-threatening for animals without adequate shelter and care," said Angela Hollinshead, KCAS Director. "We urge all pet owners to take the appropriate measures to protect their animals from the elements and want residents to know they can contact Animal Control at 616-632-7310 if they see otherwise."

Following these guidelines can help keep pets and other animals safe:

• Bring pets indoors whenever possible. Many pets are not equipped to handle the effects of freezing temperatures for extended periods.
• Provide adequate outdoor shelter. For pets that must stay outdoors, ensure they have access to a structure with three sides and a roof, that is appropriately sized, insulated, and ventilated.
• Use proper bedding. Provide dry bedding, such as straw, when temperatures fall below freezing. Avoid using blankets or cloth bedding as these materials can absorb moisture and freeze.
• Ensure access to fresh water. Check water bowls frequently to ensure they are not frozen, and refill with safe, drinkable water as needed.
• Support free-roaming cats. Simple shelters made from storage totes lined with foam and stuffed with straw offer a safe haven for community cats during harsh weather conditions.

To further support the community during this extreme weather, a list of warming centers in the Grand Rapids area is available on the Grand Rapids Area Coalition to End Homelessness website. Residents are encouraged to call ahead to confirm hours and call 2-1-1 for the most up-to-date information.

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