A hiker is safe in York County after getting lost for hours in the extremely cold temperatures.
Authorities say the man went missing in the 2000 block of Fishing Creek Road in Wrightsville.
CBS 21 spoke with first responders about the role weather plays in a rescue like this and what you need to know to stay safe.
The young man Monday night was lucky enough to be found before it was too late, but in cold temperatures like this you need to make sure you’re prepared. Not only when you’re heading outside for a long period of time, but also if you’re just driving from point A to point B or even just trying to heat your home.
“When you’re going out, of course take along some matches, lighters, something in a dry container so you can start a fire if you’re going to be out,” explained Fred Smeltzer, Hellam Township Fire Chief.
The ability to stay warm is one of the most important things you can do in these cold temperatures.
“Dress in layered clothing and of course keep your feet as dry as possible,” Smeltzer advised.
Wearing a warm cotton or wool hat as well as a facemask or turtle neck can make a big difference out in the cold, but it’s also important to be prepared to be stuck with what’s only in your car.
“In your automobile you’ll have a first aid kit and an emergency kit with food and plenty of drinking water which is whether you’re on foot or in you’re vehicle, water is one of the most important things you can have with you,” Smeltzer told us.
Along with water, you want to make sure you have blankets, extra clothes such as heavy coats, and warm boots.
And while many of us will be staying at home to stay warm, it’s important to take steps to stay safe.
“Probably the biggest thing in these type of temperatures that causes dangers is going to be the supplemental heating that we tend to buy at hardware stores to help heat our home,” Smeltzer continued.
The biggest culprit is wood stoves, but anything you can plug into a wall to heat your home can also be a hazard.
“Put them where they can’t be knocked over, keep them away from anything flammable, table clothes, curtains, babies, even small toddlers that can turn these over and burn themselves and burn the house,” the Fire Chief advised.
The best words of advice for a cold week like this are simple, “dress warm, that’s about it, and not go out unless you have to.”
The Fire Chief also told me that if you have not cleaned out your chimney recently, don’t use it! Just use common sense and try to stay warm.
Authorities say the man went missing in the 2000 block of Fishing Creek Road in Wrightsville.
CBS 21 spoke with first responders about the role weather plays in a rescue like this and what you need to know to stay safe.
The young man Monday night was lucky enough to be found before it was too late, but in cold temperatures like this you need to make sure you’re prepared. Not only when you’re heading outside for a long period of time, but also if you’re just driving from point A to point B or even just trying to heat your home.
“When you’re going out, of course take along some matches, lighters, something in a dry container so you can start a fire if you’re going to be out,” explained Fred Smeltzer, Hellam Township Fire Chief.
The ability to stay warm is one of the most important things you can do in these cold temperatures.
“Dress in layered clothing and of course keep your feet as dry as possible,” Smeltzer advised.
Wearing a warm cotton or wool hat as well as a facemask or turtle neck can make a big difference out in the cold, but it’s also important to be prepared to be stuck with what’s only in your car.
“In your automobile you’ll have a first aid kit and an emergency kit with food and plenty of drinking water which is whether you’re on foot or in you’re vehicle, water is one of the most important things you can have with you,” Smeltzer told us.
Along with water, you want to make sure you have blankets, extra clothes such as heavy coats, and warm boots.
And while many of us will be staying at home to stay warm, it’s important to take steps to stay safe.
“Probably the biggest thing in these type of temperatures that causes dangers is going to be the supplemental heating that we tend to buy at hardware stores to help heat our home,” Smeltzer continued.
The biggest culprit is wood stoves, but anything you can plug into a wall to heat your home can also be a hazard.
“Put them where they can’t be knocked over, keep them away from anything flammable, table clothes, curtains, babies, even small toddlers that can turn these over and burn themselves and burn the house,” the Fire Chief advised.
The best words of advice for a cold week like this are simple, “dress warm, that’s about it, and not go out unless you have to.”
The Fire Chief also told me that if you have not cleaned out your chimney recently, don’t use it! Just use common sense and try to stay warm.