Information to Help You Prepare for the Arctic Blast
In anticipation of an arctic blast predicted for our area on Friday, Tolland Public Safety would like to urge residents to prepare themselves and their pets for the dangerous bitter cold, and wind chills that may dip well below zero.
Visiting Public Safety's web page can provide you with valuable information, tips and links to help you prepare for the sudden change in temperatures and other wintertime topics.
If you are in need of a warming center, Tolland’s Library will be open on Friday, February 3rd, and Saturday, February 4th, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. As an added bonus, Saturday February 4th is “Take Your Child to the Library Day”. Library staff has been planning special events that are sure to delight your kids. Visit the Library’s web page for more information and to sign up!
It's a good idea to refresh your memory to prepare for harsh weather conditions. In extreme cold temperatures, exposed skin can become frost bitten in just a matter of minutes. When the extreme cold hits, it is important you do what you can to stay warm. Here are some things you can do to help beat the cold:
•Dress in layers. This helps keep you insulated and lets you take off or add more layers of clothing as needed. Wear many layers of loose-fitting clothing and stay dry.
•Cover your skin. When the wind chill brings the temperature well below zero, be sure to cover your skin. In extreme cold, skin exposed to the cold air can get frostbite in just a few minutes. If you have to go outside, cover your skin by wearing a hat, scarf, mittens, sleeves that are snug at the wrist, boots, etc.
•Avoid alcohol and caffeinated beverages. Beverages with alcohol and caffeine actually make your body lose heat more quickly. Drink hot, sweetened beverages to help you stay warm.
•Perform your work during the warmest part of the day. People who work outside should do so during the warmest part of the day, if possible.
•Take frequent breaks from the cold. If you have to be outside, take frequent breaks in warm, dry shelters to let your body warm up.
•Know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Know how to recognize cold illness and when to get medical treatment right away.
•Make sure infants stay warm. Infants under one year old should not sleep in cold bedrooms because they lose body heat more easily and are unable to shiver to keep themselves warm. Keep them properly clothed and indoors in warm temperatures.
•Check on elderly neighbors and family members. People over the age of 65 often are less active and have lower metabolisms, making them lose body heat more quickly. Make sure that the temperature in their home is adequate to keep them warm.
•Be sure to keep pets indoors. Domestic animals are also susceptible to frostbite and you should limit their exposure to extreme cold.
For additional extreme cold weather tips and information visit the Connecticut Department of Public Health’s Cold Weather web page.
Click here for the most up-to-date weather information and Hazardous Weather Conditions Statements from the National Weather Service.
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Information Released by: John C. Littell, Director of Public Safety