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:

• 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.
• Dress in layers to adjust to changing conditions. Avoid overdressing or overexertion that can lead to heat illness.
• Most body heat is lost through the head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers the ears.
• Mittens provide more warmth to the hands than gloves.
• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping the feet warm and dry and to maintain footing in ice and snow.
• 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 suspect you or someone you are trying to help has hypothermia or frostbite.
• Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur.
• Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms occur.

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 a local Red Cross chapter.