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Staying Safe in Cold Weather
Exposure to cold can cause injury
or serious illness such as frostbite or hypothermia. The likelihood of injury or
illness depends on factors such as physical activity, clothing, wind, humidity,
working and living conditions, and a person's age and state of health. Follow
these tips to stay safe in cold weather:
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Dress appropriately
before going outdoors. The air temperature does not have to be below freezing
for someone to experience cold emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite.
Wind speed can create dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is
not that low.
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Dress in layers so you can
adjust to changing conditions. Avoid overdressing or overexertion that can
lead to heat illness.
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Most of your body heat is lost
through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
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Mittens provide more warmth to
your hands than gloves.
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Wear waterproof, insulated
boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping your feet warm and
dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.
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Get out of wet clothes
immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket or warm fluids
like hot cider or soup. Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol if you expect you
or someone you are trying to help has hypothermia or frostbite.
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Recognize the symptoms of
hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness,
exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you
have these symptoms.
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Recognize frostbite
warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy
feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
To learn more about signals of and
how to care for cold- or heat-related problems, take a Community First Aid and
Safety course from your local Red Cross chapter.
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Holiday traveling and winter can
be a dangerous combination. Allow extra time when traveling. Monitor weather
conditions carefully and adhere to travel advisories.
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Keep a winter storm survival kit
in your car. This should include blankets, food, flares, chains, gloves and
first aid supplies. Visit the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Web site for a more extensive list.
 NOAA's
Winter Weather Awareness
Learn more about how to prepare
for winter weather! Read
Winter
Storms: The Deceptive Killers.
Are
You Ready for a Winter Storm?
NOAA's
Interactive Weather Site
National
Warnings Area
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