Extreme Cold Could Be Deadly
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CHARLOTTE, NC —Β People exposed to the extreme cold tonight could be at risk. Emergency workers will be on duty as the temperatures plunge, and they will have to be aware.
The effects of hypothermia can hit quickly, and with devastating results.
“Our biggest concern is hypothermia, and that is when your body temperature goes below its normal temperature,” said Dr. Erin Noste.
Carolionas Medical Center Emergency room doctor Erin Noste is trained in disaster medicine. She says when your body temperature drops below 95 degrees, you are experiencing hypothermia. And with temperatures in the single digits, it doesn’t take long.
“It can be as short as less than 30 minutes, depending upon if they’re elderly, they’re alcoholics, if they don’t realize that they’ve passed out without proper clothing,” said Dr. Noste.
The cold can be deadly.
The Red Cross is opening extra shelter space in Charlotte, trying to get as many people as possible off the streets.
“They feed hot meals or sandwiches,” said Charlotte resident Antwanaza Mitchell. “You know, they just give us cots and blankets, stuff like that to keep us warm.”
When it’s this cold outside, most of us are going to choose to stay indoors. But there are those who have to be out in it. People like our law enforcement, firefighters, MEDIC–all our emergency services.
The extreme temperatures can make it tougher to do the job. Salisbury Fire Chief Bob Parnell talked to his crews about the dangers associated with this arctic air.Β
“The storm front coming through is creating quite a breeze,” said Chief Parnell. “And a wind blown fire is very dangerous. It moves very quickly and unpredictably.”
And when the pipes burst in the middle of the night, emergency utility crews are working when it’s coldest.
“As long as we keep moving, we stay warm,” said Orantes Gleaton with Charlotte-Mecklenbrg Utilities. “That’s the only way we can stay warm. Keep moving.”Β
The Red Cross shelter for people who need to escape the frigid temperatures is located at the Hall House, at 426 North Tryon in Uptown Charlotte.
