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Health/Safety Officials Urge Caution in Extreme Cold

1/22/11- Dangerously cold temperatures will continue to hold an icy grip on Livingston County through the weekend, and health and safety officials are warning local residents to be prepared. With temperatures in the single digits, AAA of Michigan says it's more important than ever to be ready if you end up stranded in your car and help is not around. They recommend keeping a survival kit of sorts in the car, including an extra winter coat or warm blanket, snow boots and jumper cables, and to keep your car's gas tank as close to full as possible. That’s so if you do have an emergency situation, you want to be able to run your car for short periods of time. Meanwhile doctors say even very brief exposure to the current sub-zero windchills can result in frostbite or hypothermia, especially in the very young and very old. They recommend dressing in layers if you must be outside, including a hat, and to seek medical attention immediately if your skin turns gray, white, yellow or remains numb. Finally, the Humane Society urges all pet owners to keep track of their four-legged