Jammu, Jan 4, KNT: Amid a sharp dip in temperatures across Jammu and Kashmir, Government Medical College Jammu has issued a public advisory urging people to take precautionary measures to protect themselves from extreme cold conditions.
According to the advisory, cold-related injuries disproportionately affect vulnerable sections of society. It states that nearly 50 percent of such injuries occur among people aged above 60 years, while around 75 percent of the cases are reported among males. The advisory further notes that about 20 percent of cold-related incidents take place inside homes.
Medical experts at the college warned that hypothermia and frostbite are the most common and serious risks during extreme cold. Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature drops below 95 degrees Fahrenheit, while frostbite can damage body tissues within as little as 30 minutes of exposure to wind chill temperatures of minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
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The advisory also cautioned against other cold-related hazards including carbon monoxide poisoning due to improper use of heating devices, power failures, frozen water pipes, and vehicle breakdowns during severe weather conditions.
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As part of preventive measures, people have been advised to stay indoors during peak cold hours and regularly check on elderly persons and other vulnerable individuals. The advisory recommends insulating household water pipes, keeping safe emergency heating arrangements ready, and avoiding the use of candles to reduce the risk of fire.
Citizens have also been urged to carry winter survival kits in their vehicles, comprising blankets, flashlights, snacks, drinking water, and a fully charged mobile phone. Dressing in layers of warm clothing, covering the head and mouth, and using mittens instead of gloves has also been advised.
In addition, vehicle owners have been asked to ensure proper winterization, including the use of antifreeze, maintaining correct tyre pressure, and checking wipers and other essential components.
Doctors at the medical college emphasized that prevention of hypothermia and frostbite is far easier than treatment, and appealed to the public to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety guidelines during the ongoing cold wave. [KNT]
