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Manchester Township Office of Emergency Management
WHY TALK ABOUT WINTER WEATHER?
COLD WEATHER EXPOSURE
Exposure to cold can cause frostbite or hypothermia and
become life-threatening. Infants and elderly people are most
susceptible. What constitutes extreme cold varies in different
parts of the country. Pipes may freeze and burst in homes that
are poorly insulated or without heat.
WIND CHILL is not the actual temperature but rather how
wind and cold feel on exposed skin. As the wind increases, heat
is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving
down the body temperature. Animals are also affected by wind
chill, however, cars, plants and other objects are not.
Frostbite is damage to the body tissue caused by extreme cold.
A wind chill of -20 degrees Fahrenheit (F) will cause frostbite
in just 30 minutes. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white
or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, ear lobes
or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical
help immediately! If you must wait for help, slowly rewarm the
affected areas.
Hypothermia is a condition brought on when the body
temperature drops to less then 95 degrees F. It can kill. For
those who survive, there are likely to be lasting kidney, liver
and pancreas problems. Warning signs include uncontrollable
shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred
speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. Seek medical help
immediately!
Each year, dozens of Americans die due to exposure to cold.
Add to that number, vehicle accidents and fatalities, fires due to
dangerous use of heaters and other winter weather fatalities and
you have a significant threat. Threats, such as hypothermia and
frostbite, can lead to loss of fingers and toes or cause permanent
kidney, pancreas and liver injury and even death. You must
prepare properly to You must prepare properly to avoid these
extreme dangers. You also need to know what to do if you
see symptoms of these threats. A major winter storm can last
for several days and be accompanied by high winds, freezing
rain or sleet, heavy snowfall and cold temperatures. People
can become trapped at home
or in a car, without utilities or
other assistance. Attempting to
walk for help in a winter storm
can be a deadly decision. The
aftermath of a winter storm can
have an impact on a community
or region for days, weeks or even months. Extremely cold
temperatures, heavy snow and coastal flooding can cause
hazardous conditions and hidden problems.
SNOW
Heavy snow can immobilize a
region and paralyze a city, stranding
commuters, closing airports, stopping
the flow of supplies, and disrupting
emergency and medical services.
Accumulations of snow can cause roofs to collapse and knock
down trees and power lines. Homes and farms may be isolated
for days and unprotected livestock may be lost. In the mountains,
heavy snow can lead to avalanches. The cost of snow removal,
repairing damages, and the loss of business can have severe
economic impacts on cities and towns.
ICE
Heavy accumulations of ice can bring
down trees and topple utility poles
and communication towers. Ice can
disrupt communications and power
for days while utility companies
repair extensive damage. Even small
accumulations of ice can be extremely
dangerous to motorists and pedestrians.. Bridges and overpasses
are particularly dangerous because they freeze before other
surfaces.
POWER OUTAGES
Should your power go out please DO NOT call the police as they
will be busy enough with emergency calls. You should call your
electric company. For most residents in Manchester Township
that is JCP&L (Jersey Central Power & Light) 1-888-544-4877.
When you are on the phone with JCP&L please remember to
write down the reference number they provide you with. This is
important in case you have to call back. If you do not have the
reference number, which is the easiest way for them to look up
your information, you might have to go through the process again.
In anticipation of an emergency situation, anyone with special
needs is encouraged to register with the Township Office of
Emergency Management. Forms can be obtained at Police
Headquarters.
Any organization wishing for the Manchester Township Office
of Emergency Management to make a presentation on disaster
preparedness, please feel free to contact Arthur Abline at (732)
657-2009 ext. 4604 or via e-mail @ aabline@manchestertwp.com.
It is important for all people involved in a disaster situation to
heed the warning and advice from your emergency management
officials, as well as the emergency responders of your municipality,
as these are the people trained in disaster situations. Always have a
battery operated radio with extra batteries on hand to listen to the
local radio stations so you are aware of what is occurring and can
follow the directions for evacuation routes and where shelters are
located.