January 22, 2003

BIRMINGHAM, AL - As Alabama prepares for another blast of cold weather, exposure to freezing temperatures can cause serious health risks. Here are some tips from UAB's School of Public Health and UAB's Burn Center to help you prepare and protect yourself from extreme temperatures.

• Avoid alcohol. Alcohol dilates the blood vessels, speeding heat loss. Drink warm beverages and soup to help stay warm.
  
  
• Check on the elderly. Check on friends, relatives and neighbors, especially those who are elderly, who have a disability or who live alone.
  
  
• Insulate key areas. To keep your pipes from freezing, insulate exposed water lines. If possible, seal attic vents and exhausts to conserve heat.
  
  
• Protect your head and feet. Wear a warm hat with ear protection and wool gloves and socks.
  
  
• Wear layers. Wear cotton or polypropylene underwear under several layers of loose, warm clothing. Air between layers will provide warmth.
  
  
• Outerwear should be waterproof. It's important to stay dry. Damp clothes, from perspiration or the weather quickly lose their insulating value and speed heat loss.
  
  
• Do not let children play outside for long periods of time.
  
  
• Don't overdo it. Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor's advice about working outdoors when it's very cold.
  
  
• Don't stand too close to space or propane heaters. Many burns occur at night, when people stand close to heaters while wearing loose-fitting robes or pajamas.
  
  
• Don't use barbeque grills indoors. Only cooking devices specifically approved for indoor use should be used in the event of a power outage. Barbeque grills emit carbon monoxide, which can be fatal.
  
  
• Remember fire safety. Never leave a fire in a fireplace unattended and never use explosive materials such as lighter fluid, alcohol or gasoline to start or maintain a fire.