Tips and updates for lingering cold weather

Expect it to be a little warmer today, but with an expected daytime high of 39, it won’t be by much. The rising temperatures continue Thursday with highs in the low 40s, but colder weather returns for the weekend.

With plenty of cold weather to come, there are precautions and those with needs in the area.

Dr. Michael Towernicky, internist with East Carolina Internal Medicine in Pollocksville, said there are obvious ways to prevent problems.

He said bare skin in sub-freezing weather should not be exposed more than five or 10 minutes or body heat is lost. Wear a hat. He said fingers, toes and ears are the first to get frostbite because of blood supply. “It is common sense around here to dress in layers which create insulated air pockets so the body doesn’t lose heat.”

Alcohol for warmth is a myth. “Alcohol makes a person more prone to frostbite. Alcohol makes the cold worse, not better. Alcohol decreases oxygen-carrying capacity. When it is freezing, the body is not getting oxygen. You may feel better but you will not survive the cold weather any better,” Towernicky said.

He said the biggest problem with the cold weather is the spurts of warm weather. “When it gets colder people go inside. The cold weather causes bronchial tubes, the mouth and nose membranes to become dry and cracked. Barriers break down and as people cough, bacteria and viruses go back and forth to each other, and people are more likely to get a cold or sinus infections,” he said.

If by chance hands, feet or toes are frostbitten, Towernicky said a quick warm-up of the body with tepid water is the best way to help the tissue and cells recover. “The cells are 90 percent water and frozen tissue should be warmed up quickly, but not with scalding hot water. You don’t want secondary burns,” he said.

Several non-profit organizations are responding to needs caused by the cold weather. People needing kerosene for heating can get vouchers at the Religious Community Services on George Street. Bobbie Hewlette, executive director of RCS, said there are plenty of coats for those in need. “The community has been generous with our coat drive,” she said.

She said the homeless shelter has two beds available, though Hewlette said five people called the shelter Tuesday inquiring about space.

A hot meal at the RCS kitchen is available seven days a week. The soup kitchen serves Monday through Friday from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 3:30 to 4:45 p.m.

She said the food goes out as quickly as it comes in. Donations are always accepted.

RCS has a limited budget to help with utility bills and appointments must be made about a month in advance.

The Craven County Senior Services on George Street serves a hot meal Monday through Friday. Wilda Finn said a few more people have signed up to eat at the center. “We are glad to have anyone who wants to eat or who needs a warm place to get away from a cold environment.

Those who need to get around in a vehicle are finding that they need a jump-start. According to the AAA Carolinas, when temperatures dip to 25 degrees or lower, cranking power can be reduced as much as 35 percent.

Brian Thomas, at Craven Auto Repair on Williams Road, said that several customers have stopped at the shop to have their antifreeze and batteries checked.

As for crops in the area, the past wet weather has been more a factor than the cold weather. Bill Ellers, Pamlico County extension agent, said winter wheat is not looking good, but it is because of the rain. He said fields are dormant now. Strawberries, he said, are not far enough along to hurt the berries. “The reproductive organs are still in the ground; the plants have not begun blooming,” Ellers said. He said if temperatures fall below 10 degrees, there could be a problem.