At least a foot of snowfall blankets the West Lakeshore neighborhood in New Orleans. (Greg LaRose/Louisiana Illuminator)
The Louisiana Department of Health has confirmed two deaths from the historic winter weather that swept through the state this week.
Hypothermia was a contributing factor in the death of an 85-year-old man from Pointe Coupee Parish, the department said Friday in a news release. Â A 60-year-old woman in New Orleans died in a fire that has been attributed to a space heater.
The coroners in each parish designated both deaths as weather-related.
The hypothermia death is the second one in Louisiana this year. On Jan. 9, the health department reported a 65-year-old Rapides Parish man died from exposure to winter weather conditions.
State health officials warn that alcohol consumption can increase the risk of hypothermia  physiologically and through impaired decision-making. It causes blood vessels to dilate, and, while it makes the skin feel warm, increases heat loss.
Alcohol also reduces the shivering response to keep the body warm and causes the brainstem to lower core body temperature.
The public is also being advised to take safety measures if they rely on generator power to avoid potential carbon monoxide poisoning.
Portable generators should never be used indoors, including garages, carports, basements, crawl spaces and other enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even those with ventilation.
Open windows or doors or using fans will not prevent the build-up of carbon monoxide, according to the health department. If you start to feel sick, dizzy or weak while using a generator, get to fresh air immediately.
Generators should be placed outside, more than 20 feet away from the home, doors, windows and vents that could allow carbon monoxide to come indoors.
Generators should not be refueled when hot or used in wet conditions.
Space heaters should be placed on the floor and kept away from water. Anything flammable, including furniture, curtains and walls, should be at least 3 feet from the heater.
A space heater should never be left unattended or plugged into a surge protector or extension cord.
State officials also ask residents to check on their neighbors, especially the elderly, whenever temperatures drop.
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