KENILWORTH HEALTH DEPARTMENT WINTER WEATHER HEALTH ADVISORY

Extreme cold especially with high winds as forecasted for today and this week can result in health related hazards. Avoid hypothermia and frost bites by being aware of these hazards and by taking safety precautions.

Highlights of hypothermia:

• When exposed in cold temperatures your body looses heat faster that it can produce. 
• Low body temperatures may make you unable to think clearly or move well.
• You may not know you have hypothermia.
• If your temperature is below 95˚, this is an emergency – seek immediate medical attention.

Highlights of frostbite:

• Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing.
• Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or toes.
• Seek medical care if you think you have frostbite.

Highlights on outdoor safety precautions:

• Dress warmly and stay dry.
• Wear a hat, scarf, and mittens.
• Avoid frostbite.
• If you have to do heavy outdoor chores, dress warmly and work slowly.
• Avoid walking on ice or getting wet.
• Notify friends and family where you will be before you go hiking, camping, or skiing.
• Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads, overpasses, and bridges if at all possible.
• If you are stranded, it is safest to stay in your car.

Highlights on preventing carbon monoxide poisoning:

• Generators, grills, camp stoves, or other gasoline, propane, natural gas or charcoal-burning devices should never be used inside a home, basement, garage, or camper, or even outside near an open window.
• Every home should have at least one working carbon monoxide detector. The detector’s batteries should be checked twice annually, at the same time smoke detector batteries are checked.           

            Borough of Kenilworth Department of Health enforces the Board of Health Heating Ordinances which requires 68˚F from 6AM to 11PM and at least 55˚F from 11PM to 6AM. Additionally, the heating equipment must be in good and safe working condition capable of adequately heating all habitable rooms.

            Tenants with faulty heating equipment or indoor temperatures below standards and who have notified their landlords can call the Health Department, Monday – Friday – 9:00AM – 5:00PM at 908-276-2740, afterhours please contact the Kenilworth Police Department non emergency number at 908-276-1700, to report heat complaints.

            Those who are in need of a shelter can also call the Kenilworth Police Department at 908-276-1700 for a Code Blue Response.