Dover Fire Chief urges safety as Arctic cold front moves in

posted on: 2/1/2023

With an arctic cold front moving into Dover this Friday and Saturday, Dover Fire Chief Michael McShane urges everyone to take the necessary precautions to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. A wind chill watch is in effect in Dover from Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon, with dangerously cold wind chills likely, some as low as 30 below zero.

“It’s important to be aware of the dangers these cold temperatures can bring and to take the necessary steps to stay safe,” said Chief McShane. “Never leave a child or pet unattended in a car in the cold, and if you can, stay inside to avoid the cold and wind chill. If you must go outside, make sure you are dressed appropriately and cover your hands and face.”

Dover Fire and Rescue recommends that to stay safe in the cold weather, people should be aware of the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia and know the signs and symptoms. He added it's also important to check on your family and friends during the cold weather, especially high risk populations, such as the elderly and children.

McShane said that it's especially important to be mindful of safety when trying to keep your home warm during extreme cold weather.

“We want to keep our citizens safe and warm during this cold weather,” said Chief McShane. “It’s important to keep in mind home heating safety measures such as never using a stove or oven to heat your home, making sure you have a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector on each floor, and never plugging space heaters into extension cords or power strips.”

McShane said frostbite and hypothermia are dangerous conditions that can happen fast in extreme cold weather. He said people at the highest risk of frostbite and hypothermia include older adults with inadequate food, clothing, or heating; babies sleeping in cold bedrooms; people who remain outdoors for long periods; and people who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.

He said the signs of frostbite and hypothermia in adults are:

• Shivering
• Exhaustion or feeling very tired
• Confusion
• Fumbling hands
• Memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness

McShane added that signs and symptoms of hypothermia for babies include bright red and cold skin, and very low energy.

For more information on how to stay safe in the cold, contact Dover Fire & Rescue at 603-516-6148.