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Esperanza Gonzalez wraps herself in a blanket to stay warm in her apartment during power outage caused by the winter storm on February 16, 2021 in Houston, Texas. Winter storm Uri has brought historic cold weather, power outages and traffic accidents to Texas as storms have swept across 26 states with a mix of freezing temperatures and precipitation.
The deadly winter storm this week left millions of Americans without power and heat in frigid temperatures ― a situation that carries the risk of hypothermia, carbon monoxide poisoning and frostbite among other dangers.
While there are warming stations throughout hard-hit places like Texas, many are still riding out the icy aftermath in their homes. If you find yourself at home without power, there are ways to increase your safety and comfort.
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Bright red, cold skin in infants
According to a release, infants and the elderly are more at risk of hypothermia, which should not be treated at home. Individuals suspected to have the condition should be treated at a hospital.
How Should I Avoid Frostbite?
Frostbite could set in on exposed skin in as little as 15 minutes, officials said. The face, ears, hands and feet tend to be the most commonly impacted.
According to a release, frostbite skin is whitish and stiff, and tends to feel numb rather than painful.
In order to treat frostbite, officials advised to warm the affected part of the body gradually before seeking medical attention.
The nonprofit Federal Alliance for Safe Homes (FLASH) is the country s leading consumer advocate for strengthening homes and safeguarding families from natural disasters. - FLASH
Rob Perillo is a native of New York, but he and Neomi now call Acadiana home and have raised their family here. You can usually find Rob and Neomi out-and-about in Acadiana (during normal, non-pandemic times) at festivals, Downtown Alive - any gathering that allows them to delve deeper into the local culture.
Rob has been helping keep Acadiana safe for over 30 years, giving us plenty of information about the weather in the area and doing his best to keep us safe. He is also VERY knowledgeable about all things space-related.