Keep your kids warm in school tomorrow

The National Weather Service is warning of a risk of hypothermia and frostbite for those who have prolonged exposure to the bitter cold weather that continues Thursday night. This news does not bode well for families that are still exposed to the elements as a result of Hurricane Sandy last October.

So parents if you are sending your kids to school tomorrow, make sure they are wearing layers, warm gloves, hats, scarves, boots, warm socks and that their faces are protected from the extrme cold. The big chill is here and it is expected to be hazardous weather tomorrow, reportd The Staten Island Advance. Teachers at daycare and at early childhood centers, avoid the playground tomorrow, and plan for movement activities that can be done indoors.Public school teachers listen for school closings and other cautionary reports issued by Mayor Bloomberg and New York City.

"Wind chills are expected to be around zero overnight -- that's a result of lows around 10 degrees and winds of 10 to 15 mph, with gusts up to 35 mph, according to the weather service," states the Advance.

"The weather service reminds those who will be outside that gloves and a hat can play critical roles in preventing frostbite," adds The Advance. "It's recommended to dress in layers and limit any exposed skin."

"A high of 24 degrees is expected Friday, along with 1-3 inches of snow starting later in the day, AccuWeather predicts. It's supposed to be partly sunny, breezy and cold on Saturday and Sunday, with highs between 28 and 30, and lows between 15 and 20," adds The Advance.

Its not going to be any better on Monday

"Some additional snow is forecast Monday, but it won't be around long, as highs will be above freezing on that day; on Tuesday, the high could reach the 50s," adds The Advance.

"The state Health Department also issued a cold weather warning. It reminded New Yorkers of the warning signs of hypothermia, which in adults can include are shivering, confusion, memory loss, drowsiness, exhaustion, slurred speech, puffy face, shallow breathing, a slow heartbeat and weak puls," adds Rge Advance.

"Infants who are suffering from hypothermia may appear to have very low energy and bright red, cold skin," the agency also pointed out.

"Those with cardiac problems or high blood pressure are reminded to follow doctor's orders about shoveling snow or performing any strenuous exercise during frigid temperatures," adds the report."Even otherwise-healthy adults should remember that their bodies are already working overtime just to stay warm and dress appropriately and work slowly when doing heavy outdoor chores," the state advised, adds The Advance report.

Tips to cold weather weathering at school:

  • make sure kids are wearing gloves, hats and scarves
  • encourage children to put on their coat indoors if they are cold
  • avoid outside activities and strenuous activities with children
  • if kids appear listless or drowsy check with your director or the child's parents about early dismissal
  • look for redness of the skin and other signs of hypothermia
  • look for shallow or heavy breathing as a warning sign of health concerns
  • make sure you heed state warnings about school dismissals
  • Residents of New Dorp Beach need to find shelter with family and friends
  • stay alert and be prepared to change your school schedule in accordance with state warnings and weather issues.

These are a few ways you can get through the frigid January days at your early childhood center. Read www.examiner.com for more helpful tips.

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, Staten Island Early Childhood Education Examiner

Elena Hart-Cohen is an early childhood educator and substitute teacher. A former reporter for The Daily News Record, a trade journal, Elena holds a master's degree in Early Childhood Education and Childhood Education from Brooklyn College. She is a teacher who regularly writes scholarly articles...

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