6 local deaths linked to extreme cold

NORRISTOWN, Pa. (WPVI) -- At least six deaths in the Philadelphia region have been linked to the extremely cold temperatures we've experienced recently.

Most of the victims were elderly and some suffered from dementia.

Some were found on the streets while others, like an 86-year-old man in Allentown, died in their unheated homes.

The Montgomery County Medical Examiner, Dr. Walter Hofman, did the autopsy on 5 of the bodies.

"These are the folks that fall through the cracks, and its very frustrating to have preventable deaths and no one does anything about it," he said.

Dr. Hofman says hypothermia can set in within an hour, and more quickly in water.

He says earlier this week one death came after an elderly couple lost heat to their Whitpain Township home.

"He stayed in a hotel and got concerned the house was empty. He moved back to the house, she stayed in the hotel, and came back to house and he was found dead."

Sharone Congleton is a nurse with the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging.

She urges neighbors, friends and family to look after the most vulnerable - especially with possible record breaking cold on the way.

"This is a community effort for people to look after their older or elderly neighbors," Congleton said.

Shivering is one symptom - but not always present - as the body preserves heat. So look for these other signs too.

"You've got a cold, pale person with a low heart rate, slow, shallow respirations, loss of consciousness... it happens real quick."

You can find some assistance at keepseniorswarm.org or call the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging's hotline at 215-765-9040.