SHERIFF ISSUES PUBLIC SAFETY ANNOUNCEMENT FOR THE GAME
Stadium Guests Urged to Follow Cold Weather Advice

Buffalo, NY – Erie County Sheriff John C. Garcia issues a public safety message for Saturday's football game.

With weather forecasters predicting temperatures close to zero and sub-zero wind chill factors, Sheriff Garcia is calling on fans attending the game to take protective measures and recognize the signs of hypothermia.

Clothing:
• Wear warm and insulating layers of clothing with a wicking layer next to the skin;
• Wear waterproof apparel and avoid cotton layers next to the skin;
• Protect your extremities with proper footwear, head and face coverings, and gloves or mittens to help mitigate frostbite;
• Have lots of disposable hand and feet warmers.

Recognizing the signs of hypothermia:
• Shivering;
• Slurred speech;
• Confusion & loss of coordination;
• Drowsiness or exhaustion;
If anyone experiences these symptoms, they should immediately get inside a warm area.

The alcohol effect:
• Alcohol provides an initial warm sensation, but as blood vessels near the skin dilate, the person experiences fast heat loss, causing lower core body temperature. At this point, an individual can be experiencing hypothermia;
• If a person becomes impaired, they may not sense the onset of hypothermia or frostbite, increasing the danger of the extreme cold.

Sheriff Garcia explains, “As Bills fans, we waited a long time to attend a home playoff game. However, the extreme cold will add a dangerous element to the night, and people need to protect themselves. That is why I am issuing this warning and providing information so everyone can celebrate and remain safe – Go Bills!”