Recent forecasts show the potential of a significant winter storm beginning on or about December 15, 2010. The storm brings a potential for snowfall and then significant icing to various parts of Kentucky. Depending upon the track of the storm, there is a possibility for snow and ice to form as temperatures drop and the storm moves through the state. In anticipation of the impending storm, please try to pass information concerning this storm to your contacts. With possible power outages, there is also the risk for individuals incorrectly using alternative heating sources to heat their homes, resulting in risk for carbon monoxide poisoning and fires. Hypothermia can also occur when individuals are improperly dressed when they go outdoors. Please feel free to distribute these brief tips to your contacts. The carbon monoxide pictogram fact sheet is also attached for your convenience in both English and Spanish. When printing, please ignore the margin message that pops up on the screen – it will print OK. Also attached are two fact sheets from the Kentucky Department for Public Health concerning home heating winter safety and dangers from alternative heating sources. Additional information on winter safety can be found at http://healthalerts.ky.gov/Pages/WinterSafety.aspx.

· Don’t use a generator, charcoal grill, camp stove or other gasoline or charcoal-burning device inside your home, basement or garage or near a window.

· Don’t run a car or truck inside a garage attached to your house, even if you leave the door open.

· Don’t burn anything in a stove or fireplace that isn’t properly vented.

· Don’t heat your house with a gas oven.

· Seek prompt medical attention by calling 911 or the Kentucky Regional Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning and are feeling dizzy, light-headed, have a headache, chest pain or are feeling nauseous.

· To install a battery-operated carbon monoxide detector in your home or replace the battery when you change the time on your clocks each spring and fall for daylight savings time. If the detector sounds, leave your home immediately and call 911.

· The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has carbon monoxide materials available at:

· General CO poisoning prevention guidelines:   http://www.cdc.gov/co/guidelines.htm in 17 languages.

Hypothermia

· Hypothermia can result when the body’s temperature drops below what is necessary to maintain normal bodily functions. In severe cases or when the body is not warmed properly, death can result.

· To prevent hypothermia, wear appropriate clothing and limit the time you spend outdoors. Layer clothes made of synthetic and wool fabrics, which are best for keeping warm. Remember to wear hats, coats, scarves and gloves.

· Symptoms of hypothermia include shivering, altered speech pattern, abnormally slow rate of breathing, cold pale skin and lethargy. Seek medical attention if you experiences signs of hypothermia. Individuals experiencing these symptoms should call 911 or seek medical attention immediately.

· More info on hypothermia can be found at http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/faq.asp.

Please try to keep individuals involved in your contact lists informed about this and please try to stay safe everyone. If you need to venture outside, please remember to wear your KOIN ID badge to show that you are on official business for emergency communications. We would greatly appreciate any communication back from our KOIN members concerning current situations and needs in your region if the storm potential turns severe, as the KOIN is a two-way communication tool.