Florida Hazards Watch - Extreme Cold
Is Cold Weather a Threat in the Sunshine State?
YES. During the harsh winter of 1989-1990, 26 Floridians died of hypothermia. Because of normally mild temperatures, Florida homes often lack adequate heating and insulation and the Florida outdoor lifestyle leads to danger for those not prepared. In addition to the actual temperature, when the wind blows, a wind chill (the temperature that it feels like) is experienced on exposed skin. When freezing temperatures, or low wind chills are expected, the National Weather Service will issue warnings or advisories.
What is Wind Chill?
The wind chill is the cooling effect due to the combination of temperature and wind. It is expressed as the loss of body heat.
| Temperature (F) | ||||||||||||
 |
Calm | 40 | 35 | 30 | 25 | 20 | 15 | 10 | 5 | 0 | -5 | -10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 36 | 31 | 25 | 19 | 13 | 7 | 1 | -5 | -11 | -16 | -22 | |
| 10 | 34 | 27 | 21 | 15 | 9 | 3 | -4 | -10 | -16 | -22 | -28 | |
| 15 | 32 | 25 | 19 | 13 | 6 | 0 | -7 | -13 | -19 | -26 | -32 | |
| 20 | 30 | 24 | 17 | 11 | 4 | -2 | -9 | -15 | -22 | -29 | -35 | |
| 25 | 29 | 23 | 16 | 9 | 3 | -4 | -11 | -17 | -24 | -31 | -37 | |
| 30 | 28 | 22 | 15 | 8 | 1 | -5 | -12 | -19 | -26 | -33 | -39 | |
| 35 | 28 | 21 | 14 | 7 | 0 | -7 | -14 | -21 | -27 | -34 | -41 | |
| 40 | 27 | 20 | 13 | 6 | -1 | -8 | -15 | -22 | -29 | -36 | -43 | |
| 45 | 26 | 19 | 12 | 5 | -2 | -9 | -16 | -23 | -30 | -37 | -44 | |
| 50 | 26 | 19 | 12 | 4 | -3 | -10 | -17 | -24 | -31 | -38 | -45 | |
| 55 | 25 | 18 | 11 | 4 | -3 | -11 | -18 | -25 | -32 | -39 | -46 | |
| 60 | 25 | 17 | 10 | 3 | -4 | -11 | -19 | -26 | -33 | -40 | -48 | |
Do You know the 5 P's Of Cold Weather Preparedness?
Protect People
Protect Plants
Protect Pets
Protect Exposed Pipes
Practice Fire Safety
Where Can You Go For Up-To-Date Info?
WIND CHILL MAP - Courtesy ©Unisys Corp.
CURRENT TEMPERATURE MAP - Courtesy ©Unisys Corp.
FLORIDA HAZARDOUS WEATHER OUTLOOKS - Issued daily by local NWS offices to advise storm spotters and emergency managers of potentially hazardous weather and other hazards.
What Actions Should You Take To Be Prepared?
Stay indoors and use safe heating sources.
Be aware of the fire danger from space heaters and candles, keep such devices away from all flammable materials such as curtains and furniture, and install recommended smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
Indoors, do not use charcoal or other fuel-burning devices, such as grills that produce carbon monoxide. Install at least one carbon monoxide detector per floor in your home.
Outdoors, stay dry and in wind protected areas.
Wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing.
Drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids and eat high-caloric foods.
Updated:
September 9, 2010 9:26
