The Johnson County Health Department and Johnson County
Emergency Management encourages all citizens to understand the
health risks of this cold weather and stay warm and sheltered in
the below freezing temperatures. Johnson County Government
buildings and libraries are open (normal business hours) for
people who may need to warm up. Please note that County offices
and libraries will be closed Monday, January 17, 2011 in
observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Serious health
problems can result from prolonged exposure to the cold. The
most common cold-related problems are hypothermia and frostbite.
When exposed to cold temperatures, the body begins to lose heat
faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure to cold will
eventually use up the body’s stored energy and result in
hypothermia, or abnormally low body temperature. Warnings signs
of hypothermia are shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling
hands, memory loss, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Seek medical
attention quickly if you have these symp