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BONE-CHILLING COLD GRIPS REGIONS OF THE USA
After experiencing the second warmest year on record, and a very warm start to winter, cold weather has now hit the East Coast with a vengeance. It came in with a 30-degree temperature drop in some areas. The warm and dry winter came to an abrupt end in the region this week when the jet stream shifted southward and roared into the eastern U.S. bringing bitter cold temperatures, strong winds and snow. With that thought in mind, the NWS reminds you to take precautions against the weather. The first step to a safe winter is to stay tuned to the weather by monitoring TV, radio or NOAA Weather Radio—the broadcast system that transmits local weather service warnings and forecasts around the clock. Every year hundreds of people die needlessly because they are unaware of winter weather advisories. The wind chill factor can make those already cold temperatures seem even colder. Be prepared. Guard against the possibility of frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose. Hypothermia causes uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness or apparent exhaustion. In your car, and at home, have a flashlight available, with extra batteries, keep extra food and water available, have extra medicine and first aid supplies, keep gas in your tank near full and try not to travel alone. If you absolutely must leave the house, dress in layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Make sure to wear a hat, mittens and cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold. KNOW YOUR
WINTER WEATHER TERMS
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