Ohio Gets Its Coldest Weather in 4 Years

The core of the cold air settled over the region Tuesday, likely giving Bucyrus its coldest day since January 2009. While temperatures are expected to slowly moderate as the week progresses, we’re not likely to warm past 25 degrees until Friday, with Monday probably being our next chance of getting above freezing.

The wind chill advisory that went into effect here Monday night, more for cold temperatures than high winds, is scheduled to expire at 11 a.m. Wednesday.

With north central Ohio experiencing its coldest weather in four years this week, the Mansfield/Ontario/Richland County Health Department advised residents to watch out for symptoms of hypothermia, which occurs when more heat escapes from your body than it’s able to produce.

“Common signs to look for are shivering, which is your body’s attempt to generate heat through muscle activity, and the umbles: Stumbles, mumbles, fumbles, grumbles,” Reed Richmond, an educator with the department, said.

More specifically, these symptoms include slurred speech, fatigue, lethargy and apathy.

Measures to avoid getting too cold might be self-explanatory, but are often overlooked — wearing gloves and a hat, avoiding overexertion, dressing in layers and, most importantly, staying dry.

Household pets need special attention during cold spells as well, according to the ASPCA.

Cats accustomed to being indoors should be kept indoors. And be aware that outdoor cats have a tendency to sleep under the hoods of cars. Bang on your hood before starting your car if there are cats in your neighborhood.

Ice-melting chemicals and road salt will make your dog or cat sick (although there are pet-safe brands on the market). Even if your pets don’t actively eat it off the ground, it can get lodged in their paws, to be licked up later.

Short-haired dogs will be grateful for a sweater, and puppies, regardless of their breed, are more susceptible to very cold weather than full-grown dogs (and are harder to housebreak in such weather as well).

We don’t like cold drafts. Neither do our pets, and since they’re closer to the floor they feel them far more often. Consider investing in a cat or dog bed, or at least give them a blanket or pillow. Your pets will thank you for it.

Ref: http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/article/20130122/NEWS01/301220021/Ohio-gets-its-coldest-weather-4-years