Severe winter weather is deadlier than many people think. In fact, winter storms and extreme cold are often referred to as deceptive killers because most deaths are indirectly related to the storm.
Consider traffic accidents on icy roads, or hypothermia due to prolonged exposure to the cold or even heart attacks caused by the exertion of shoveling snow or pushing vehicles. Each of these instances can and has caused deaths in Virginia and throughout the U.S. yet, many of these deaths could be prevented by recognizing the dangers of winter weather and taking simple precautions.
For more information, call the Newport News Department of Communications and Emergency Services, Emergency Services Division, 247-8606.