Extreme Heat

During the summer months, temperatures can reach dangerous levels. Extreme high temperatures and humidity can cause Heat ExhaustionHeat exhaustion can result after prolonged exposure to hot
and humid conditions. Children, senior citizens, and people
with chronic medical conditions are usually more susceptible
to this condition. Friends, relatives, and neighbors should
check on people who may be at risk.

Some signs of heat exhaustion are: cool, moist, pale or flushed
skin; heavy sweating; headache; nausea or vomiting; dizziness;
and fatigue. To treat heat exhaustion, move the person to a cooler
place immediately. Remove or loosen tight clothing and apply cool,
wet cloths. Slowly give cool water every 15 minutes.
 and Heat StrokeHeat stroke can result after prolonged exposure to hot and humid
conditions. Children, senior citizens, and people with chronic medical
conditions are usually more susceptible to this condition. Friends, relatives, and neighbors should check on people who may be at risk.

Signs of heat stroke can include: hot, red skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; rapid, shallow breathing; and high body temperature. Heat stroke is a life-threatening condition.Call 9-1-1 and move the person to a cooler place. Have the person lie down with their feet slightly elevated. Immerse the person in a cool bath or wrap wet cloths around their body. Give the person small sips of cool water. If the person vomits or there are changes in consciousness, do not give anything to eat or drink.
. To protect yourself and others, the York County Office of Emergency Management offers the following tips:

• Be aware of heat advisories and watches.
   
  • A heat advisory means that high humidity and high temperatures will make it feel like it is 100 degrees or higher.
  • An excessive heat watch means that a prolonged period of hot weather is expected, which can create dangerous situations of heat-related illnesses.
     
• Abstain from outdoor activities, if possible.  Remain indoors and use air conditioners and fans.  If you must be outdoors wear light-colored, lightweight clothing and stay in the shade or under awnings as much as possible.
   
• Drink plenty of water or caffeine-free and non-alcoholic beverages. 
   
• Do not leave children, senior citizens, those with special needs or pets alone in vehicles.
   
• Keep rooms well-ventilated with air conditioners and fans. Keep your windows open if you don't have a fan or air
  conditioning.
   
• Cool down with periodic cool baths or showers.
   
• Take advantage of cooling centers, public pools and air-conditioned stores and malls. Find a cooling center near you by checking the Office of Emergency Management’s website (Emergency Alerts) or by calling the emergency public information line at 717-840-2988.
   
• Make a special effort to check on your neighbors during a heat wave, especially if they are seniors, people with special needs or live alone.
   
• Seek help immediately if you feel symptoms of heat-related illnesses 

Extreme Cold

During the winter months, temperatures can reach dangerous levels. Extreme cold temperatures and wind conditions can cause HypothermiaHypothermia is abnormally low body temperature from staying in
cold temperatures for a long period of time. Treatment is needed
at body temperatures of 95˚F or below and hypothermia becomes
life threatening below body temperatures of 90˚F. The signs and
symptoms of hypothermia can include: decrease in mental function
that leads to impaired ability to make decisions, tiredness or lethargy,
changes in speech, and disorientation.
 and FrostbiteFrostbite is damage to the tissues from prolonged exposure to
temperatures below 32˚F. An initial “pins and needles” sensation
is followed by numbness. After that, the skin appears white, cold and
hard, and finally becomes red and swollen. Seek medical attention immediately. . To protect yourself and others, the York County Office of Emergency Management offers the following tips

·         Know the various warnings and watches that might be issued during winter weather conditions:

o        A winter weather advisory means winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant   

          inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists.

o        A winter storm watch means be alert, a storm is likely.

o        A winter storm warning means take action, the storm is in the area or is imminent.

• Wear several layers of loose fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent. Make sure you have a hat, mittens, scarf, and waterproof boots.

·         Take advantage of public facilities, including heated stores and malls.

·         Eat high energy foods and drink warm beverages.

·         Beware of over-exertion. Shoveling snow or pushing disabled cars can be detrimental to your health and should only be done by individuals in good health.

·         Use extra caution to prevent shock, fire and burns if using alternate sources of heat (e.g. kerosene heater, wood stoves, etc.) during a power outage. Proper ventilation is essential.