It’s cold out there and temperatures are predicted to continue their descent. According to The Weather Channel, the snow looks like it may be over for now, but cold temperatures and snow accumulation have left businesses working to deal with the after effects. ABCO Refrigeration Supply Corp., headquartered in Long Island City, N.Y., with branches across the state, posted on its website multiple weather advisories warning its contractor customers what to expect. High winds, wind chill, and dense fog advisories are all in the forecast. Further to the South and over to the West, unseasonably cold temperatures are registering for many states.
Distribution Centercan’t help you shovel the snow, but it can provide you with a list of cold weather tips for your company and your customers. Feel free to post them by your point of sale terminal and on your website.

Cold Stress Advisory
Cold Stress can be caused by multiple low temperature factors. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) workers who are exposed to extreme cold or work in cold environments may be at risk of cold stress. Extreme cold weather is a dangerous situation that can bring on health emergencies in susceptible people, such as those without shelter, outdoor workers, and those who work in an area that is poorly insulated or without heat. What constitutes cold stress and its effects can vary across different areas of the country. In regions relatively unaccustomed to winter weather, near freezing temperatures are considered factors for cold stress. Whenever temperatures drop decidedly below normal and as wind speed increases, heat can more rapidly leave your body. These weather-related conditions may lead to serious health problems.

Frostbite is one of the more common conditions found in contractors working in the elements.

Early Symptoms
• Shivering
• Fatigue
• Loss of coordination
• Confusion and disorientation

Late Symptoms
• No Shivering
• Blue Skin
• Dilated Pupils
• Slowed pulse and breathing
• Loss of consciousness

First Aid
1. Alert supervisor and request medical assistance.
2. Move into a warm room or shelter.
3. Remove wet clothing.
4. Warm center of the body first.
5. Warm beverages can help.
6. Do not drink alcohol.