With temperatures continuing to drop throughout the day Saturday, Mayor de Blasio urged New Yorkers to stay safe and warm by limiting time outdoors, reporting heat and hot water conditions to 311, and checking in on vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbors. A National Weather Service Wind Chill Advisory goes into effect at 1:00 PM today through noon on Sunday for expected wind chills as low as 20 to 25 degrees below zero.

“These temperatures can be life threatening – especially for seniors, infants and people with medical conditions. We are urging residents to stay inside as much as possible, take care of yourselves and your neighbors, and wear multiple layers of warm clothing when outside. Most importantly, do not let your children play outside unsupervised and for long periods of time,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

“As a result of an arctic air mass and high winds, New York City will experience some of the coldest temperatures and wind chills that we have seen in the last 20 plus years,” said NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Joseph Esposito. “If you are going out for church or synagogue services, Valentine’s Day, or for other reasons this weekend, make sure to bundle up. And if it’s too cold for you, it’s probably too cold for your pet too, so keep your animals inside this weekend.”

People most likely to be exposed to dangerous cold include those who lack shelter, work outdoors and/or live in homes with malfunctioning or inadequate heat. Seniors, infants, people with chronic cardiovascular or lung conditions, people using alcohol or drugs, and people with cognitive impairments (like dementia, serious mental illness or developmental disability) are at increased risk.

According to the National Weather Service, wind chills will continue to drop throughout the day and approach 25 degrees below zero during the overnight hours tonight. Temperatures on Sunday will continue to be in the low-to-mid teens with similar wind chills values. Temperatures are not forecast to reach above freezing until late afternoon on Monday. There is also potential for some isolated snow showers today, but no accumulations are expected. NYC Emergency Management will continue to monitor the weather in consultation with the National Weather Service.

Safety Tips:

New Yorkers are also encouraged to take the following precautions:

· Stay indoors as much as possible.

· Do not allow children to play outdoors unsupervised or for long periods of time.

· Prolonged exposure to extreme cold weather can be dangerous. If you suspect a person is suffering from frostbite or hypothermia, call 911 to get medical help. While waiting for assistance, help the person by getting them to a warm place if possible, removing any damp clothing and covering them with warm blankets.

· When outdoors, wear warm clothing and cover exposed skin. Use multiple layers to maintain warmth.

· Wear a hat, hood, or scarf, as most heat is lost through the head.
· Keep fingertips, earlobes, and noses covered if you go outside.
· Keep clothing dry; if a layer becomes wet, remove it.
· Shivering is an important first sign that the body is losing heat. Shivering is a signal to return indoors.

· Drinking alcohol may make you think you feel warmer, but it actually increases your chances of hypothermia and frostbite.

· Cold weather puts an extra strain on the heart. If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about performing hard work in the cold. Remember, your body is already working hard just to stay warm, so don’t overdo it.

· Workers in construction and utilities, and others who spend a lot of time outdoors are at risk for cold-related disorders. Employers should implement safe work practices, provide appropriate protective equipment, and train workers on health effects of cold weather, proper prevention techniques, and treatment of cold-related disorders.

· Health problems resulting from prolonged exposure to cold include hypothermia, frostbite and exacerbation of chronic heart and lung conditions. Recognize the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite:

* Hypothermia is a life-threatening condition where the body temperature is abnormally low. Symptoms may include shivering, slurred speech, sluggishness, drowsiness, unusual behavior, confusion, dizziness, and shallow breathing. Some people, such as infants, seniors, and those with chronic diseases and substance abuse problems can get sick quicker. Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors who may need assistance to ensure they are adequately protected from the cold.

* Frostbite is a serious injury to a body part frozen from exposure to the cold. It most often affects extremities like fingers and toes or exposed areas such as ears or parts of the face. Redness and pain may be the first warning of frostbite. Other symptoms include numbness or skin that appears pale, firm, or waxy.

(YWN Desk – NYC)