Tribune Staff Report WSBT-TV

7:50 p.m. EST, January 20, 2011
The St. Joseph County Health Department issued a public health advisory today because wind chill temperatures were expected to be below zero degrees tonight and Friday.

Exposure to cold temperatures, whether indoors or outside, can cause serious life-threatening health problems, according to a news release.

The Health Department reminds the public to take the following precautions to prevent cold-related illness and injury:

Be prepared

  • Prepare your home and car for winter and make sure you have a way to heat your home safely during a power failure.

  • Keep a multi-purpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher nearby when using alternative heating sources.

  • Never use a charcoal or gas grill indoors as the fumes are deadly.

  • Never leave candles unattended.

  • Keep extra blankets, flashlights with extra batteries, matches, first aid kit, manual can opener, snow shovel and rock salt, and special need items on hand.

  • Stock a few days' supply of water, required medications and food that does not need to be refrigerated or cooked.

    Monitor home's temperature

  • Infants and those older than age 65 are especially susceptible to cold. If it's not possible to keep your home warm, stay with friends or family or in a shelter.