Byway committee meeting

NARROWSBURG, NY — The next monthly meeting of the Upper Delaware Scenic Byway Committee will take place on Monday, January 27 at 7:00 p.m. at the office of the Upper Delaware Council, 211 Bridge Street. All are welcome.

For more information, contact Secretary Bill Douglass at 845/252-3022.

Ice fishing at big pond

BEAVERKILL, NY — On Saturday, January 25 anytime between 9:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., The Catskill Center for Conservation and Development is hosting an annual ice-fishing day at Big Pond. Big Pond is one of the few lakes open to trout fishing in the winter. No experience is necessary, although a current NYS Fishing license is required for people 16 years of age and older. There will be a limited amount of equipment on hand for those who do not have their own. If the fish are not biting you can try your hand at the Catskill’s newest winter sport—ice bowling! Pins and bowling balls are supplied. Dress warm and bring your own food and water. Meet at the Big Pond parking area on Barkaboom Road (south of Pepacton Reservoir, just north of Beaverkill Road).

For more information call The Catskill Center at 845/586-2611, or visit www.catskillcenter.org.

Safety tips for a cold weather emergency

MONGAUP VALLEY, NY — As temperatures hover in the teens and twenties, the Sullivan County Chapter of the American Red Cross in Greater New York is urging area residents to be informed about critical heating and safety tips that could save lives.

Tips to be prepared outdoors:

• Dress appropriately before going outdoors. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Dress in layers—you can take off a layer if you get too warm. Wear gloves or mittens, and replace wet clothing immediately.
• Drink hot cider, soup or broth, which warm you and give you nutrients and energy. Avoid beverages with alcohol or caffeine; they will make you more susceptible to cold-weather emergencies like hypothermia.
• Recognize the symptoms of cold weather illnesses such as hypothermia and frostbite. Symptoms of hypothermia include confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Warning signs of frostbite include gray, white or yellow skin discoloration. Both are serious; if any of these conditions are present, seek medical attention immediately.

Tips to be prepared at home:

• Have extra blankets on hand.
• Ensure that each member of your household has a warm coat, gloves, mittens, hat and water resistant boots.
• Assemble a Disaster Supplies Kit—first-aid and essential medications, battery-powered NOAA weather radio, flashlight and extra batteries, canned food and can opener.
• Bottled water (at least one gallon of water per person per day to last at least three days).

Know what to do if you lose your heat source:

• If you loose your heating source, remain in one room and close the doors. Roll towels and place them at the base of the doors to prevent the loss of heat and the entrance of cold air. Cover windows with sheets or towels. Place rolled towels at the base of doors leading outside.
• Wrap yourself in layers of blankets and take hot showers if hot water is available.
• If your heat is not restored, call family, neighbors or friends to see if you can stay with them.

The American Red Cross helps people avoid, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Red Cross also offers a variety of health and safety courses on such subjects as first aid and Adult and Child CPR. For information call 800/514-5103 or visit www.nyredcross.org.