With four deaths from hypothermia already reported by the
Department of Health and Mental Hygiene's Office of Preparedness
and Response (OPR) this winter, the Harford County Health
Department is reminding residents to take necessary precautions
as temperatures drop throughout the coming months.  Harford
County Health Officer Susan Kelly said extra precautions taken
for exposure to colder temperatures can mean the difference
between enjoyment of winter activities and serious injury or
even death.  "Prolonged exposure to the cold can drain your
strength and rob you of the ability to make sound judgments
regarding your health and safety. Preparedness is crucial does
not need to be expensive," Kelly said in a press release.  Cold
temperatures can cause a person's body to lose heat faster than
it can be produced, causing hypothermia, or an abnormally low
body temperature. This is often characterized by symptoms of
shivering, exhaustion, confusion, fumbling hands, memory loss,
slurred speech and drowsiness; danger