McKee Administration Warns of Dangerously Cold Weather But Refuses to Close RI Schools
Thursday, February 02, 2023
“In advance of the extreme cold expected this weekend, the McKee Administration is reminding all Rhode Islanders about ways to stay healthy and safe,” wrote a press release from the RI Health Department.
But while the warnings are being issued, tens of thousands of children will need to walk to school tomorrow.
The Providence School Department refused to respond to repeated requests for the number of children who are bussed versus the number who walk or have to be driven.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTWhen the McKee public relations team was asked why it was safe for children to walk in the dangerous weather, they pushed the question to Victor Morrente at the Rhode Island Department of Education who wrote in an email, “school closures for inclement weather are decided at the local level.”
When asked why if this is a dangerous weather situation, guidance is not being given to the schools to close, there was no response.
According to the National Weather Service, Rhode Island will experience temperatures and wind chills below freezing Friday, February 3 into Saturday, February 4.
Extreme cold can cause hypothermia, frostbite, and can contribute to events like household fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. The best way to protect your health against extreme cold is to prepare yourself, your home, and your car before extremely cold weather.
Prepare yourself:
Dress in layers.
Cover exposed skin. Wind chills this low may result in frostbite on exposed skin in as few as 15 minutes.
Limit outdoor time.
Add blankets to your home’s emergency kit.
Eat frequently. Food gives the body energy to produce heat.
Do not drink a lot of alcohol or caffeine. Alcohol and caffeine cause your body to lose heat faster.
Check on older family and friends; infants and older adults are more at risk for health problems related to extreme temperature.
Your baby should wear the same layers adults would comfortably wear plus one additional layer. Avoid using one big, bulky blanket.
Know the signs and symptoms of hypothermia and frostbite.
Watch for warning signs
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body can lose heat quickly and develop frostbite or hypothermia or both. Frostbite most often impacts noses, ears, cheeks, chins, fingers, and toes. Signs of frostbite include discolored (red, white, or greyish-yellow) skin and numbness. If you notice signs of frostbite, get into a warm area as soon as possible and call a healthcare provider. Warm the affected area with warm water or with body heat. Frostbitten areas can be easily burned because they are numb. Do not use hot water, heating pads, or the heat of a stove or radiator for warming.
Signs of hypothermia include shivering; exhaustion; confusion, memory loss, slurred speech; bright red, cold skin in infants, and very low energy in infants. If you notice signs of hypothermia, take the person’s temperature. If their temperature is below 95°F, this is an emergency, and the person should get medical attention immediately.
