Extreme Cold Temps Make Checking In On Elderly Neighbors A Must

As we enter this extreme cold snap much focus goes on the homeless and that is great.  That said though the CDC tells us that many people at risk of dying from hypothermia will die in their own homes.

How is that? Well they say that people over the age of 60 may not shiver or constrict peripheral blood vessels  and as well may have a lower metabolic rate. This can put them at risk if they are keeping the thermostat too low because they can't afford fuel for their furnace.

The Maine CDC say infants are also at risk when temps get too cold.

They also list some simple ways to keep warm including;

• Dress in layers.
• Wear a warm hat – 30% of heat loss is through the head.
• Wear a scarf and gloves.
• Infants should be in a room in which the temperature is 61-68 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Drink plenty of fluids and warm/hot drinks.
• Eat regular balanced meals to give you energy – good nutrition is important.
• Cut down on alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, since all three cause heat loss.
• Try to keep one room in the house warm.

Know someone who might need checking?  Also, if you do see a homeless person in distress in the Bangor area the shelters have all added beds according to the BDN and the Bangor PD will give rides to anyone that needs to get to a shelter of friends house. In extreme cases they will even let anyone regardless of their personality challenges warm up in the lobby of the police station.

About 20 people die each year in the State of Maine from hypothermia.