Weather-related health advisory for large portion of New Mexico

Precautions to protect people and pets from extreme cold

Source: N.M. Department of Health

SANTA FE – A major winter storm, with potential blizzard conditions, is expected to impact New Mexico starting Wednesday night. Residents are urged to take immediate precautions to protect themselves, their families, and pets from severe weather hazards.

According to the National Weather Service, this weather system is expected to bring significant snowfall, dangerously low visibility, powerful winds, and freezing temperatures, particularly in northern New Mexico and the Rio Grande Valley.

The New Mexico Department of Health (NMDOH) reminds New Mexicans of the precautions to take to avoid cold-related illnesses.

“Since Oct 1, there have been 95 cold-related emergency department visits statewide,” said Srikanth Paladugu, NMDOH Environmental Health Epidemiology Bureau Chief. “Last winter, the overall total was 918, underscoring the serious health risks associated with extreme winter conditions.”

NMDOH recommends the following actions for staying safe during the storm:

Dress for the cold: Wear multiple layers, including hats, gloves, and scarves. Wool or synthetic fabrics are best as they retain heat even when damp.
Limit outdoor exposure: Stay indoors as much as possible. If you must go outside, keep trips brief and avoid overexertion.
Carbon monoxide precautions: Only use heating devices in well-ventilated areas. Avoid using grills, camp stoves, or generators indoors to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Install CO detectors, where possible, and check batteries to ensure safety during power outages.
Prepare for power outages: Have a flashlight, extra batteries, and enough food and water for a few days. Check that all necessary medical supplies are accessible and if reliant on electronic devices, such as CPAP machines for sleep apnea, that they are fully charged.
Protect pets and pipes: Pets should be brought indoors during extreme weather. For pipes, keep indoor temperatures steady and open cabinets to allow any warm air to reach plumbing. Allow faucets to drip to prevent pipes from freezing and bursting, which is a common hazard during sustained cold.
Vehicle preparedness: If travel is unavoidable, ensure your vehicle has winter-ready tires, a full tank of gas, blankets, food, and emergency supplies. Monitor road conditions via the New Mexico Road Advisory Hotline at 5-1-1 or https://nmroads.com.

For the latest weather updates, monitor local news and the National Weather Service.

Visit NM-Tracking – Cold-Related Illness for information on cold-related illnesses and to view our dashboard for current data on cold-related emergency department visits.

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Levi Gwaltney

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