Louisiana – The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed two winter weather-related deaths in Pointe Coupee and Orleans parishes.
The first death involved an 85-year-old man from Pointe Coupee Parish, with hypothermia cited as a contributing factor. The second death, in Orleans Parish, was a 62-year-old woman who perished in a fire caused by a space heater.
Both deaths have been confirmed as weather-related by the parish coroners. No additional details will be released about these incidents.
On January 9, LDH reported another winter weather-related death, a 65-year-old man from Rapides Parish who died from hypothermia caused by the extreme cold.
In light of these tragic incidents, LDH is urging residents to take precautions during winter weather.
It is important to be aware that alcohol consumption can increase the risk of hypothermia by impairing judgment, reducing the body’s natural heat response, and dilating blood vessels, which leads to heat loss.
Residents are encouraged to drink responsibly and limit outdoor exposure when temperatures are near or below freezing to stay safe.