January 14, 2009

Life-saving Cold Weather Advice
Some Ways to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones from the Dangers of Cold Weather

With weather forecasts of bitter cold, the Nassau County Department of Health reminds residents that they can help protect themselves and their families by taking the following actions:

Dressing

• Dress with several layers of light clothing rather than one heavy garment.  Trapped air acts as a body insulator and allows the body to retain its heat.  Wear wool sweaters, long underwear and gloves.  Wrap up in a blanket, if necessary.
• Cover the head and ears with a hat or scarf since much heat-carrying blood flows through the many blood vessels of the scalp and ears and an uncovered head radiates heat rapidly.
• Stay dry.  Body heat is lost through damp clothing by evaporation.
• Drink warm liquids and eat.  Food is the fuel for the body.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages since alcohol tends to dilate blood vessels, increasing the flow of blood through the skin and, thereby, losing internal body heat.
• Take particular care with young children, senior citizens and persons whose natural body   responses to cold are inhibited as a result of certain medical conditions or medications.

     Frostbite

• There is no pain associated with the early stages of frostbite.
• Skin may first feel numb and become flushed.  Then it can turn white or grayish-yellow.  Frostbitten skin feels cold to the touch.
• If frostbite is suspected, move the victim to a warm area.  Cover the affected area with something warm and dry.  NEVER RUB IT!
• Get to a doctor or hospital AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE!

Heating Requirements for Residential Rentals

In accordance with Nassau County Public Health Ordinance, all landlords must have an operable heating system to provide heat in all habitable spaces to their tenants between October 1st and May 31st   The ordinance requires the following minimum temperatures be maintained indoors when the outside temperature drops below 55° F:

68° F. from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

65° F. from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m.

If these temperatures are not maintained, tenants should call the Health Department Bureau of Environmental Investigation weekdays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at (516) 227-9715.  For evenings, weekends and holidays, use the after business hours number, (516) 742-6154.

Rentals Not Covered

• Residents renting an entire single family home are responsible for purchasing the fuel; the landlord is responsible for maintaining the equipment.
• Residents of co-ops or condominium units with a centralized heating unit should call their building manager or governing board of managers for assistance. 
• Residents of co-ops and condominiums with individual heating units are responsible for their own heat.
• Residents of cities and villages with their own local heating ordinances include: Glen Cove, Long Beach, Cedarhurst, Great Neck, Great Neck Plaza, Lynbrook, Freeport, Rockville Centre and Hempstead.  Residents of these cities and villages can call their local Building Departments for assistance as these municipalities enforce their own heating ordinances.

Energy Fuel Assistance Programs Available

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

HEAP provides a once-a-year benefit to low income homeowners and renters to help pay for fuel or utility costs.  Persons age 60 and over, and disabled, and SSI recipients of all ages, can apply by mail. For information on income eligibility levels and application procedure contact the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs at (516) 227-7386. All other persons should contact EAC at (516) 565-4327.

Fuel Emergency Assistance

Persons who are out of heating oil or who are threatened with a utility termination, and who are eligible for SSI or HEAP, may apply for Emergency Assistance. For eligibility information, call EAC at (516) 565-4327.

Project Warmth

Project Warmth is a community-based partnership that provides financial assistance to enable eligible families to address a heating emergency.  This program is administered by Long Island’s United Way.  One-time grants are awarded beginning December 1st.  Project Warmth Information Line: 1-631-940-3757

Weatherization Referral and Packaging Program (WRAP)

Low income eligible seniors are assisted in obtaining weatherization services through local providers.  These services include, but are not limited to, boiler repair, replacement of storm windows and doors, caulking and weather-stripping, etc.  An individual plan is developed to include the identification of needs and resources and, thereafter, to provide the coordination of services needed.  For information call the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs at (516) 227-7386.

Residential Energy Affordability Partnership (REAP)

REAP is a program for Long Island Power Authority (LIPA) customers that can help limited income households  better control their energy use and thus save money on electric bills.  If eligible, a REAP team will visit the home and provide information on practical ways to reduce energy costs.  In addition, they may install certain energy saving devices at no cost to the homeowner.  Contact  LIPA at 1-800-263-6786.  National Grid will provide an in-home assessment of energy usage for low-income gas customers at 1-800-860-0815.

Carbon Monoxide Alarms and Smoke Detectors Could Save Your Life

The Nassau County Department of Health reminds residents to install carbon monoxide (CO) alarms as well as smoke detectors in their homes. They could save your life. A carbon monoxide (CO) alarm is the only way to detect the presence of carbon monoxide since CO is invisible and odorless and can be fatal when inhaled. It can kill in minutes if present in high quantities, or in hours in low concentrations. Carbon monoxide kills by inhibiting the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include dizziness, confusion, fatigue, headache, nausea or sleepiness.  As with many health conditions, the very young, the elderly and those suffering from other health challenges are at greatest risk.

Common sources of carbon monoxide poisoning include:

• A leaking or clogged fireplace flue,
• An improperly installed gas range or vent,
• A corroded or disconnected water heater vent pipe. 

Avoid the risk of CO poisoning by:

• Scheduling annual maintenance of furnaces and other combustion appliances.
• Never burning charcoal inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent.
• Never using portable fuel-burning camping equipment inside a home, garage, vehicle or tent.
• Never leaving a car running in an attached garage, even with the garage door open.
• Never using gas appliances such as ranges, ovens or clothes dryers for heating a home.
• Never operating unvented fuel-burning appliances in any room with closed doors or windows or in any room where people are sleeping.
• Never using gasoline-powered tools and engines indoors

Nassau County has required CO alarms in all new residential construction since November 12, 2000, and in all existing hotels, motels and temporary residences since September 27, 2001.