Winter weather safety tips from local, state agencies

KINGSPORT — Both the Kingsport Fire Department and Tennessee Red Cross have shared tips and information to help you stay safe during the cold and snowy days. Kingsport Fire Department The Kingsport Fire Department recently offered some cold weather safety reminders for the public to keep in mind. If you have to venture out, know the cold weather risks. Cold weather fire safety: Keep space heaters at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn Never use ovens or grills to heat your home Ensure smoke alarms and carbon monoxide alarms are working Use safe, approved heating sources only Dress for safety: Wear multiple loose layers to trap warm air Choose water-repellent outer layers Wear a hood or hat Mittens are warmer than gloves Cover your mouth to protect your lungs Stay dry and avoid wind when possible Limit your time outdoors Frostbite happens when body tissue freezes. According to the KFD, the most vulnerable areas are fingers, toes, ears, and the tip of the nose. Signs of frostbite can include loss of feeling and white or pale skin. If you see those signs, get medical attention immediately. KFD's release states to rewarm the area slowly using warm (not hot) water. Hypothermia occurs when body temperature drops below 95°F. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness and exhaustion. KFD's release states to get medical help immediately if signs of hypothermia are shown. If help is delayed: Warm the core first, not arms or legs Change into dry clothing and wrap in warm blankets Cover the head and neck Do NOT give alcohol, caffeine, drugs, or hot food/drinks (warm broth is best) Important to know: About 20% of cold-related deaths happen in the home Young children under 2 and adults over 65 are most at risk Keep your thermostat above 69°F Eat regularly, stay hydrated, and avoid alcohol (it lowers body temperature) Check on neighbors, especially the elderly, and stay weather-aware. If you have an emergency, call 911. Tennessee Red Cross Ahead of the recent winter weather, the Tennessee Red Cross offered the following 10 steps people can follow to stay safe in frigid temperatures: 1. Stay warm: If your home becomes too cold, go to a public library, shopping mall or warming center 2. Heat safely: Use care with space heaters and fireplaces to prevent fires. Keep anything that could catch fire at least 3 feet from the heat. Find more information on how to heat your home safely here. 3. Skip the candles: Use battery-powered lights and flashlights instead of candles to prevent fires. 4. Carbon monoxide is deadly: If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak, get to fresh air right away. To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning, never use an oven to heat your home. Only use generators, grills and camp stoves outdoors and away from windows. 5. Look out for others: Check with loved ones and neighbors to see if they need help. You could save a life just by sending a text, making a call or knocking on their door 6. Walk (and Drive) Like It's Icy — Because It Is: Be careful walking on snow or ice. Stay off the roads if you can during severe weather. If you have to go out during a winter storm, use public transportation if possible. If you must drive, slow down, increase following distance, and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle. 7. Layer like a pro: Wear layers of loose clothing, a coat, hat, mittens and water-resistant boots. Use a scarf to cover your face and mouth. 8. Don't overdo it: Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow, and if possible, work with a partner and take frequent breaks. 9. Watch for Frostbite and Hypothermia: Stay warm to avoid frostbite and hypothermia. Your nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers and toes are often the first areas affected. Signs of frostbite include pain, numbness or a change in skin color. Signs of hypothermia, which can be deadly, often include shivering, confusion, drowsiness and slurred speech. Act fast and get out of the cold immediately if you see signs of hypothermia or frostbite. Get emergency medical care right away 10. Check out our apps. Download the free Red Cross First Aid app so you'll know what to do if emergency help is delayed and the free Emergency app for weather alerts, open Red Cross shelter locations and safety steps for different emergencies. Choose whether you want to view the content in English or Spanish with an easy-to-find language selector. Find these and all of the Red Cross apps in smartphone app stores by searching for the American Red Cross or going to redcross.org/apps.