With forecasts of wind chills in the single digits or below zero for, at least, the coming week, it would be good to remember cold weather safety - along with those in this community who are living without adequate, warm housing. 
 
Extreme cold can be hazardous to your health.  Dressing properly for the cold in layers of dry clothing, and other sensible practices can prevent a lot of the problems associated with cold weather. Additionally, knowing the symptoms of danger and how to treat them can keep problems to a minimum, avoiding tragedy.

HAZARDS
The most common hazard in the cold is frostbite.  Your body doesn’t get enough heat and the body tissues freeze. Body parts most often affected by frostbite are the nose, ears, cheeks, fingers, and toes.

The other cold hazard is hypothermia.  That’s what it’s called when you’re exposed to cold so long that your body temperature gets dangerously low. Just like frostbite, the worst case results are unconsciousness and death.

With both cold hazards, you’re more at risk if you’re older, overweight, have allergies or poor circulation.  Other factors that raise the risk are smoking, drinking, and taking medications such as sedatives.

See the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC’s) Guide to Extreme Cold, or download the booklet (PDF).

NEIGHBORS AT HIGHER RISK
Washtenaw County still has many people without adequate housing, or housing of any kind.  The Delonis Center fills quickly in times like these and there are individuals – with mental health, substance abuse or other issues - who can be almost unreachable and are in great risk.

The County’s Project Outreach (PORT) staff use their time and nearly entire client care budget to prevent tragedy during extreme cold snaps like these.  

PORT is presently looking for:

• Gloves or mittens, new or used
• Boots, new or used

PORT is also accepting private donations for their client care fund.  Checks may be made out to Project Outreach and mailed or delivered.  All donations will be accepted at the PORT office during regular business hours on the first floor of the County Annex Building, 110 N. 4th Ave. in downtown Ann Arbor.