Mainers are a hardy breed, but the extremely cold weather expected in the next few days puts even the strongest at risk.
According to the National Weather Service, daytime temperatures in the Bangor area and the northern half of the state will stay in the single digits throughout the rest of the week and into the weekend, dipping overnight from zero to 20 below. An overnight windchill advisory in northern Maine on Tuesday night into Wednesday morning means effective temperatures as low as 30 below zero in some areas.
Mainers in more southerly areas of the state also will see frigid temperatures this week.
Cold weather is nothing new here, but especially for frail older Mainers and the very young, it poses significant health risks. Maine’s drafty older homes and mobile homes can be surprisingly chilly, especially when thermostats are set low to conserve fuel. Even robust adults who work or recreate outside in cold temperatures can suffer from potentially serious conditions such as frostbite and hypothermia.
Frostbite occurs when the skin and underlying tissues are exposed to extreme cold long enough to freeze. It is most common in fingers, toes, nose, ears, cheeks and chin — body parts often inadequately protected from the cold. Signs of frostbite include a sensation of cold followed by prickling and numbness. Skin turns red, then loses color and takes on a waxy look. In its early stages, frostbite may be reversed with gentle warming, but serious cases may lead to permanent nerve damage, infection and amputation.
Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when the body’s core temperature drops to a dangerously low level. Prolonged exposure to extreme cold is often the cause, but even cool or drafty indoor temperatures can cause this dangerous condition, especially in elderly or very young people whose bodies may be unable to regulate their temperature effectively. Danger signs include uncontrolled shivering, slurred speech, lethargy and mental confusion.
The County is pleased to feature content from our sister company, Bangor Daily News. To read the rest of “How to protect yourself and loved ones during icy cold weather,” an article by contributing Bangor Daily News staff writerMeg Haskell, please follow this link to the BDN online.
