Category: Announcements || By Submitted Report

With extreme cold weather in the forecast in the coming days, Allegheny County officials outlined the preparations that they have made and also offered tips and information for residents.

Temperatures in the McKeesport area are expected to reach 10 below zero (-10F) Monday night and rise to only 3 above zero on Tuesday afternoon, according to National Weather Service forecasters in Moon Twp.

The record low for today is -5F. It was set in 1884 and tied in 1942, the NWS said. The last time that a high temperature was below zero in Pittsburgh was Jan. 19, 1994.

Dr. Karen Hacker, director of the Allegheny County Health Department, urged residents to take precautions to protect themselves and their health during this weather: "Stay indoors as much as possible. If you must go outside, wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Wear mittens, wear a hat, and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs."

For those who must be outdoors, Hacker also cautioned that they watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Frostbite can occur within 30 minutes at a wind chill temperature of -19, within ten minutes at -33 and within five minutes at -48.

Hypothermia --- when the body's temperature drops below 95 degrees --- can occur outdoors or even indoors. If you can't maintain a house temperature of 70 degrees, dress warmly and use blankets and hats to keep warm, especially for infants, the elderly and the chronically ill.

The Department of Emergency Services will be coordinating with all emergency management coordinators throughout the county to provide response and assistance as needed, said Alvin Henderson, chief of Allegheny County's Department of Emergency Services.

"Outside medical emergency calls will be increased in priority with automatic aide from fire and police first responders," Henderson said. "Additionally, the Port Authority and County Hazmat is ready to assist with buses as warming stations, or warming tents, for emergency responders if needed. Warming centers and shelters will also be opened as determined in consultation with local emergency management coordinators."

Henderson encouraged residents to prepare themselves for extreme weather by creating an emergency kit which includes enough food, water, medicine and other supplies to last for at least 72 hours. Basic services such as electricity, gas, water, sewage treatment and telephones could be affected by the weather, so a supplies kit should contain items to help during such outages.

Henderson also told residents to consider sufficient heating fuel if using a secondary source of heat, and also ensure that there is adequate clothing and blankets to keep warm.

The Department of Human Services has paid particular attention to the elderly as its Area Agency on Aging has reached out to many of its clients to ensure they are prepared.

"I urge all residents to check on their neighbors to make sure they are safe during this cold weather," said Marc Cherna, agency director. "Especially during a power outage, the lack of electrical power can present dangers that are particularly challenging for the young, old, and ill in our community. Ensure their homes are well-heated and that they have enough food, water and medication to last for several days."

Even as the temperatures rise beginning Wednesday, people are urged to continue to protect themselves from frostbite and hypothermia.

Henderson reminded residents that they should call 9-1-1 immediately from any wired or wireless phone in an emergency. An emergency is any situation which requires immediate assistance from the police, fire department or medical professionals. If you're not sure whether the situation is a true emergency, call 9-1-1 and the call-taker will determine whether you need emergency help.

Cherna also referred residents to PA 2-1-1 Southwest, a free resource and information hub that connects people with community, health and disaster services in eleven counties through a 24/7 confidential phone service (2-1-1) and its website (www.pa211sw.org).