Las Vegas may be known for searing heat in the summer and blue skies in the winter, but our city’s temperatures can get downright chilly.
When temperatures get near or below freezing, some tips can help keep you, your loved ones and your property safe.
Never use a cooking device to heat your home. According to FEMA, “Each year, an average of 430 Americans die from unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning.” Grills and stoves should never be used as replacement heaters, and homeowners should invest in a carbon monoxide alarm to monitor levels inside the home.
Prepare emergency supply kits for your home and your vehicle. Kits should include extra batteries, flashlights, non-perishable food, warm clothes, blankets, bottled water, medication and supplies for your pets.
Make sure to keep your pets indoors when temperatures drop. If it’s too cold for you to be outside, it’s also too cold for your animal. Dog houses and outdoor shelters provide little protection for pets during freezing conditions.
You can prepare your home by insulating outdoor pipes and allowing them to drip to avoid freezing. You can also protect your outdoor plants by covering them with blankets during overnight hours. You can also protect your home with insulation, caulking or weather stripping.
If you end up outside in the cold for an extended period of time, it’s important to know the differences between frostbite and hypothermia.
Frostbite occurs (typically in the body’s extremities) when blood vessels constrict to conserve body heat. Signs include: numbness and skin that is discolored (white, red, purple or black). Frostbitten areas should be warmed slowly in warm (not hot) water. Do not massage or use a heating pad. Wrap affected areas in dry, sterile dressing.
Hypothermia is more severe and occurs when the body temperature dips below 95 degrees. Hypothermia victims will seem lethargic, confused and/or apathetic. They may be shivering, exhausted and may be slurring their speech. Move the victim to a warm room and/or wrap the victim in a blanket or sleeping bag; cover from head to toe. Provide warm, sweet drinks and food to a conscious victim. If the victim is conscious, place him or her in a warm bath. Don’t allow him or her to walk around.
While Las Vegas is known as a hot destination, even our city is susceptible to winter’s chill.