Winter Weather Reminders for Prince George's County Residents

For immediate release:
11/19/2014 1:35:00 PM

For more information, contact:
Rhonda D. Jackson - Public Information Officer - Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management 240-694-7474

​Warming Centers are available in Sub-Freezing Temperatures

Upper Marlboro, MD - The Prince George’s County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) reminds citizens and residents to protect themselves during the frigid weather forecast.  With expected wind chills in the low teens and twenties, residents are encouraged to take precautionary measures from exposure to the cold to prevent frostbite and hyperthermia.  In addition, we are asking all residents to assist their neighbors by utilizing a “buddy system” to help check on individuals who are elderly, or have functional needs to ensure that they are safe and warm.

When dealing with the dangerously cold temperatures over the next few days, OEM in collaboration with the Prince George’s County Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission encourages residents without heat to utilize one of the local warming centers. Please refer to the Warming Centers. page for specific hours of operation. Any unsheltered residents seeking assistance during the late evening and night hours, are encouraged to call 211 or the homeless hotline at 1-888-731-0999. Counselors will be available to assist with the Prince George's County's Hypothermia "Warm Nights" program.

Here are a few tips to help protect you and your family:

Dress/Apparel
Dress for winter weather and remember to pay attention to both the actual temperature and the wind chill factor. Sometimes the actual temperature may not seem that cold, but the wind chill can make what appear to be bearable temperatures dangerously cold.

• Dress in layers, wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Trapped air between the layers will insulate you.
• Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent, and hooded.
• Wear a hat, scarf and gloves/mittens to protect your head, face and hands.
• Stay dry and out of the wind. (Wet clothes chill the body rapidly)
• Wear water-resistant coat and shoes.
• Be sure that your outer layer of clothing is tightly woven to reduce body-heat loss.
• Do not ignore shivering. It's an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.

Weather Related Illness/Injury
Remember, hypothermia and frostbite are the most common conditions that occur when people are over exposed to severe cold.  Hypothermia can set in when more heat escapes from your body than your body can produce.  Frostbite is a condition where skin or other tissue freeze due to over exposure to the cold.  Symptoms of these conditions include:

• Uncontrollable shivering
• Pale and cold skin
• Confusion, slurred speech or sleepiness
• Shallow breathing or weak pulse
• Stiffness with your limbs, or  poor control over body movements
• Gradual numbness
• Hardness and paleness of the affected area during exposure
• Pain and tingling or burning in affected area following warming
• Possible change of skin color to purple
• If symptoms persist, contact the victim’s doctor or call 911.

Traveling
Traveling in your vehicle during extreme cold can be dangerous. If traveling is necessary, be prepared for emergencies and always have your mobile phone with you.

• Ensure that your car is equipped with a full tank of gas and emergency supplies such as blankets, food, extra clothing and a first aid kit.
• If you become stranded:  
• Wrap/Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna as a signal to rescuers and raise the hood of the car.
• Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing/blankets
• Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let in air.
• As you sit, keep your arms and legs moving to improve circulation and avoid frostbite.
• Huddle with passengers to help keep warm.
• When using public transportation, remember to dress in layers and insulate your body temperature.
• Check the transportation schedule to ensure timely operations.
• If you experience a delayed schedule, continue light physical activity to help stay warm.

For additional information or to keep current with the latest weather conditions:

• Stay Informed and utilize our new and improved notification system.  Notify Me Prince George’s.  All residents are encouraged to sign up for this new system and get connected to the latest weather alerts and updates today.  
• Prince George’s County will also keep citizens updated through usage of its Office of Emergency Management Facebook, and Twitter account.  Residents should also monitor the weather through local media sources.
• Remember to call 911 only in cases of emergency.  Residents are encouraged to utilize Prince George’s County’s CountyClick 311 system to obtain information about public services. 

For more information please visit our website news page.