Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus, Commissioner of Emergency Services Brendan Casey and Health Commissioner Dr. Alicia Pointer urge residents to follow important safety tips to protect themselves and their families during the period of extreme cold weather that is in the forecast for the region on Friday and Saturday.
“I encourage all residents to take the important steps to stay safe and warm over the weekend,” Neuhaus said. “Make sure to check on your elderly neighbors, friends, and relatives to be certain they are keeping warm and have the supplies and medications they need. You could prevent a tragedy by being a good neighbor.”
Added Dr. Pointer: “Individuals who are exposed to cold weather for prolonged time periods may develop hypothermia, or low body temperature, which is a serious and potentially fatal condition. Certain populations, including the young and elderly, may not be able to judge accurately when their bodies are under stress and it is up to the rest of us to monitor them.”
According to the National Weather Service, wind chill values during this time may fall as low as 10 to 20 below zero for coastal locations, and 25 below in the interior with wind gusts as high as 36 mph.
The National Weather Service recommends these tips to stay safe during extremely cold weather:
- Minimize travel.
- Stay indoors during the worst part of the extreme cold.
- Keep a winter survival kit in your vehicle if you must travel.
- Check tire pressure, antifreeze levels and heater/defroster etc.
- Learn how to shut off water valves for potential pipe bursts.
- Bring pets inside.
- Weatherproof doors and windows to trap heat inside your home.
For emergencies related to the cold weather, Orange County residents should call 911 immediately, Casey said. Residents can also follow the Orange County Emergency Management Facebook page (www.facebook.com/OrangeCountyEmergencyManagement) for weather updates and information.
“Residents should think safety first during extremely cold conditions such as these,” Casey added. “Pay close attention to weather forecasts and take a common-sense approach to staying safe during this type of weather.”
For more information, contact Justin Rodriguez, Assistant to the County Executive for Communications and Media Relations at 845.291.3255 or jrodriguez@orangecountygov.com.
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