Cold Temperatures and Power Loss Create Immediate Health Threats Freezing air combined with prolonged outages quickly lowers indoor temperatures, raising the risk of hypothermia and cardiovascular strain for anyone exposed for more than a few hours [1][2]. Even mild cold (30‑40 °F/‑1‑4 °C) can elevate blood pressure and force the heart to work harder, while icy sidewalks increase fall and motor‑vehicle accident rates [2]. Vulnerable groups—including seniors, children, diabetics, and those on blood‑pressure or antidepressant medications—experience accelerated heat loss and may miss early warning signs [1][2].

Medical Classification of Hypothermia Guides First‑Aid Response The Cleveland Clinic defines mild hypothermia (89.6‑95 °F/32‑35 °C) by shivering and fatigue, moderate (82.4‑89.6 °F/28‑32 °C) by slurred speech and slowed heart rate, and severe (<82.4 °F/28 °C) by loss of reflexes, muscle stiffness, lung fluid, or coma [1]. Physicians advise moving shivering individuals to a warm area, removing wet clothing, and calling 911 if confusion or severe symptoms appear [1]. Prompt re‑warming with dry blankets and gradual heating, rather than direct heat sources, reduces the chance of cardiac arrhythmia [1].

Cardiovascular Stress Extends to Snow‑Shoveling and Physical Exertion Lifting heavy, wet snow spikes heart workload and can trigger cardiac events, especially in people with pre‑existing heart disease or hypertension [2]. Recommended techniques include pushing snow instead of lifting, taking frequent breaks, and stopping at any sign of chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or unusual fatigue [2]. Even routine outdoor activity without proper planning—such as solo walks or uncharged phones—can prolong exposure and exacerbate strain [2].

Protect Vulnerable Populations With Targeted Precautions Seniors and infants lose heat faster and may not recognize hypothermia signs; clinicians urge extra layering, frequent warm‑up breaks, and monitoring for pale or reddened skin, irritability, and fatigue [1][2]. Patients with diabetes, hypertension, or circulatory disorders should stay hydrated, avoid alcohol, and keep a charged mobile device for emergency calls [1]. Families are advised to limit outdoor playtime, ensure waterproof insulated gear, and keep indoor exercise options ready when conditions become unsafe [2].

Carbon Monoxide and Indoor Heating Safety Must Be Monitored During outages, single‑room electric heaters are safest; users must keep flammable items away and never use gas stoves or ovens for heat [1]. Early signs of carbon‑monoxide poisoning—headache, nausea, dizziness—require immediate evacuation and ventilation [1]. Proper ventilation and carbon‑monoxide detectors are essential for households relying on alternative heating sources [1].