Friday, January 21, 2000
Dressing warm important
Pilot of ferry faced wind chill of 15 below zero
BY EARNEST WINSTON
The Cincinnati Enquirer
When he heads out to work, it's all about keeping warm for Lonnie Kunkel.
“Wear as many clothes as you can, cover your head, keep moving and get inside when you can,” said Mr. Kunkel, who navigates the Anderson Ferry across the Ohio River.
He can duck into a sheltered area most of the time, but he must brave the cold to direct cars onto a barge and collect fares.
Thursday, he wore two jackets, two shirts, jeans, thermals, a skull cap and gloves.
Good thing. Thursday's wind chill was 15 degrees below zero.
Today's temperature will be mostly sunny with highs in the low 20s, said Scott Hickman, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Wilmington. Today's wind chill will also be below zero.
Dr. Glyn Caldwell of the Kentucky Department for Public Health in Frankfort said there are several steps people can take to stay warm, including:
• Layering your clothing.
• Wearing appropriate clothing: Jackets, sweat shirts, long-sleeve shirts, waterproof boots, cotton or light socks under wool socks, gloves, earmuffs, mittens, hats and ski masks.
Dr. Caldwell also advised people to avoid drinking alcohol because it can lead to loss of body heat.
People who spend extended periods of time outside risk hypothermia, said Dr. Susy Kramer, medical director at the Northern Kentucky Health Department.
Symptoms that indicate your body is no longer able to maintain its body temperature include shivering, numbness, poor coordination, slurred speech and blue or puffy skin.
“Be prepared and plan ahead are good things to do in this type of weather,” Dr. Kramer said.
But not everyone is bothered by the cold weather.
“This isn't cold to me,” said John Rottinghaus, a deckhand on the Anderson Ferry. “If you're dressed for it, you're OK.
“I've worked when it was 20 below zero. 1977. Third and Philadelphia down in Covington. I know right where I was.”
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