For Immediate Release
Contact:  Jason Gerwig
630/407-6022
January 31, 2007

HEATINGS SITES AVAILABLE THROUGHOUT DuPAGECOUNTY

WHEATON —   With temperatures forecast to drop into the single digits over the weekend, and with below freezing temperatures currently settling in over the area, DuPage County wants to remind residents that there are heating centers located throughout the County should they need to take refuge from the extreme conditions.

By visiting www.dupageco.org, residents can find a complete list of heating centers in their community.  These centers include libraries, municipal buildings, police stations, and community centers.

Exposure to cold can cause injury or serious illness such as frostbite or hypothermia. The likelihood of injury or illness depends on factors such as physical activity, clothing, wind, humidity, working and living conditions, and a person's age and state of health.

Follow these tips to stay safe in cold weather:

• Dress appropriately before going outdoors. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Wind speed can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is not that low. Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Avoid overdressing or overexertion that can lead to heat illness.

• Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.

• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.

• Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.

• Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.

To learn more on how to protect yourself from dangerous weather conditions, please visit the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago at www.chicagoredcross.org.

DuPage County also wants to remind pet owners about the dangers their animals face during extreme cold weather.  The best prevention for pets is to keep them indoors.  To learn more about how to protect your pet, visit the Humane Society of the United States at www.hsus.org/pets.

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