Fairfield Memorial Hospital and Hamilton Hospital Designated
As a Warming Center
As frigid temperatures come into the area, FMH CEO, Katherine Bunting-Williams, has designated Fairfield Memorial Hospital as a warming center for area residents. The hospital cafeteria will be open for people needing warmth from the freezing temperatures and hot coffee, tea, and water will be available to all visitors. For those visitors who are seeking shelter please check in with the FMH Admitting Department upon arrival and at departure.
In order to help cope with the below freezing temperatures, Hamilton Memorial Hospital is also offering its heated facilities to folks that need shelter from the winter weather. Hypothermia is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat, causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 F. Hypothermia occurs as your body temperature falls below 95 F. When your body temperature drops, your heart, nervous system and other organs can’t work normally. Hypothermia is often caused by exposure to cold weather.
Here are a few tips on how to stay safe with this winter’s extremely low temperatures: Wear a hat or other protective covering to prevent body heat from escaping from your head,· face and neck. Cover your hands with mittens instead of gloves. Avoid activities that would cause you to sweat a lot. The combination of wet clothing and cold· weather can cause you to lose body heat more quickly. Wear loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing. Outer clothing made of tightly woven, waterrepellent· material is best for wind protection. Wool, silk or polypropylene inner layers hold body heat better than cotton does. Stay as dry as possible. Get out of wet clothing as soon as possible. Be especially careful to· keep your hands and feet dry, as it’s easy for snow to get into mittens and boots.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the low temperatures, seek medical attention immediately. Winter weather can be extremely dangerous and even deadly. Being prepared and knowing your limitations are helpful ways to stay healthy this winter.
