The Waterbury Democrat., 1943-02-05
No Increase In Death
TollDue ToE Exposure
Fuel Shortage, Lower Temperature Not Expected to
Play Big Part in 1043's Mortuary Column

FaCalltleS resulting olrecCIy from
exposure to cold, by actually freez-
ing to death or suffering severe
frostbite, in homes inadequately or
poorly heated are few and far be-
tween, according to the statisticians
Of the Metropolitan Life Insurance
Company. There Is no indication,
say the statisticians, that the fuel
shortage will add materially to the
toll this year.
Around $50 deaths each year on
the average are charged to exposure
to excessive cold. Where death act
Ually occurs from this cause, 1t Is
usually outdoors and the victim
often Is person under the infiu-
ence Of liquor or mentally deranged,
the statisticians explain. Where
death from exposure does occur in
the home, past experience shows
that the victim In most cases was
either very cold or a sick person,
living alone, and unable on account
Of an inflrmity to tend the fire.
"It Is particularly interesting at
this time" the statisticians say, ITO
observe that in study covering
the years 1933-1940 some of the
Eastern states critically affected
this winter by fuel shortages regis
tered death rates from cold below
the general average Of % per l.
100000 observed in the United
States as a whole. The rates
were 1.6 in both New York and New
Jersey; 10 in Massachusetts,; and
az in Connecticut.
higher rates than the average
occurred in Vermont, 81 and New
Hampshire, 36; while the highest
rates among those states affected by
the wartime heating problem were
recorded in Maryland, 43; Rhode
Island, as; and Maine, Sc, The
highest rates in the country pre-
vailed in the Mountain States Of
Nevada, 24.O; Montana. l4.9; and
Wyoming, 14.4. North Dakota, 10.1,
Is the only other state with a rate
exceeding ten deaths per 100000
population. The lowest rates were
recorded in California, OF; and the
4S4oJ4kCb Vi SO1uAAAOAap Wv
Referring to an analysis made
some years ago of the records of
deaths ascribed to excessive cold
among their company's Industrial
policyholders, the statiSticians say:
"More than one third Of the VIC
tins were reported as being either
under the influence of intoxicating
LIQUORS or mentally deranged. These
individuals were found in the open
where they had been exposed to
cold weather for long periods. A
number of deaths occurred among
persons who had fallen down and,
on account of age. were unable TO
get up and were subjected to pro-
longed exposure to cold. Others
succumbed on hunting or fishing
trips, or when lost In q storm or
while at work. In the Open"
Ernest Mazalka. vice-president Of
the o, OF o. will be IN charge Of the
broadcast. Mr.. TFecloka's topic will
be what Is the Block Plan"
Mass Meeting
Participation IN war activities
will be discussed at q public meet.
Ing called by the Lithuanian Coun.
ell for the Defnese Of America Tor
sunday afternoon 40 3 o'clock at
Nemunas hall, 49 Green street. IN.
ylted speakers include. Mayor John
8. Monagaii. Judge T. u, Conway.
n. Mlxara. editor Of the Lithuanian
Newspaper ''Laisve." and J. januska.
editor of New Era, and Major
John Burial, chairman o. The LEGAL
Red oroas chapter. Jacob Treclokas
van preside.