Lie close to the victim, but be gentle and do not handle the person roughly. Rubbing the person s arms and legs, as many rescuers are tempted to do, can make the problem worse. Chances for recovery depend on how long a person was exposed to the cold and his or her general health. Environment People who live in poorly heated homes risk getting accidental hypothermia when the weather is cold. Homes can have inadequate insulation, or people with low incomes and little savings may keep temperatures in the dangerous range as they try to keep heating bills down.
Some help is available.
To improve insulation, some states fund programs to help low income families weatherize their homes. You can contact your state or local energy agency or the local power or gas company for more information. Weatherizing your home, or heating only one or two of the in-use rooms of a house, will keep the heating bills down. In addition, some low-income families may qualify for help in paying their heating bills. State and local energy agencies, or gas and electric companies, have special programs.