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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 so you can
adjust to changing conditions. Avoid
overdressing or overexertion that
can lead to heat illness.
- Most of your body heat is lost
through your head so wear a hat,
preferably one that covers your
ears.
- Mittens provide more warmth to
your hands than gloves.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Holiday traveling and winter can be
a dangerous combination. Allow extra
time when traveling. Monitor weather
conditions carefully and adhere to
travel advisories.
- 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 Interactive
Weather Site
National Warnings Area
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