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. Each layer should serve a specific function.
    • the inner layer manages moisture;
    • the middle layer provides insulation from the cold; and
    • the outer layer protects from the wind and precipitation.
  • 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 hands than gloves.
  • Wear waterproof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or frostbite by keeping feet warm and dry and to maintain footing in ice and snow.
• If you get wet, get out of the wet clothes immediately and warm your core body temperature with a blanket and/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.
• Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms are present.
• Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white, or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if these symptoms are present.