REPORTER:  

Police break a car window trying to rescue a 65-year-old man later found to be dead. He was shopping at a Keelung fish market early in the morning and authorities suspect low temperature might be partly to blame.

Over 200 people have experienced heart failure since New Year’s Eve. But how many of these were caused by the cold snap is hard to say.

When the weather is cold, our body temperatures may drop and this, combined with expansion and contraction of our blood vessels, can increase blood pressure. These pressure changes can grow severe.

REPORTER:  

Since Tuesday, a cold air mass has seen temperatures drop across Taiwan, falling to around 10 degrees Celsius in the north and center. Certain areas have seen the mercury drop as low as 6 degrees at dawn.

REPORTER:  

The threat of cold in Taiwan is made worse by its buildings, generally built for hot weather. Authorities warn that buildings’ exterior tiles even fall off when the temperature changes drastically. Some families have reported seeing their floor tiles crack or bulge.

And while most homes have air conditioning, few have central heating or good insulation.

Taiwan experiences hot and humid weather throughout most of the year, so indoor ventilation is more important.

The insulation in our homes is basic. It’s not as strong as in the West. That’s why buildings here have poor heat retention. Our winters are shorter. So, using central heating is not ideal.

REPORTER:  

But speaking to people in Taipei, many now seem to have heaters at home and are taking extra precautions for the cold snap.

Beanies, scarves and socks. Covering the head is the key. That’s how we keep ourselves warm.

We usually exercise at 5 a.m. We’ve stopped going now. It’s too cold. Especially as we’re getting older and need to be careful.

I live in the mountains of Beitou in New Taipei so I always have the heater on. It’s working really well.

My husband has a stent in his heart so he’s always careful about staying warm. He would exercise in the morning.

She has a jacket that she can wear when she naps. She’s dressed like a bear cub.

I have heaters at home so the cold isn't a big concern.

REPORTER:  

Taiwan often experiences cold snaps like this in the winter, and authorities are urging the public to bundle up and watch their health in the hopes of avoiding tragedies like the one in Keelung.