WINTER SAFETY TIPS

 

             Winter Safety Tips 

By Denise Zerkle, MCBDD Health Services Coordinator 

• Hypothermia is when your body loses too much heat and cannot work properly

• Know the early signs of Hypothermia – shivering, feeling cold, confusion, clumsiness, and stumbling

• Frostbite is when the skin freezes. Usually affects nose, ears, face, fingers, and toes

• Know the early signs of Frostbite – red and cold skin that might start to turn white, prickling and numbness, tingling or stinging feeling

• Take action if you notice early signs of Hypothermia or Frostbite

• Get out of the cold weather, wind, rain or snow if possible

• Remove any wet clothing and add warm layers of clothing and/or wrap in warm blankets

• Drink warm fluids

• Clothing tips to remember when you are going to be outside in the cold weather

• Make sure to wear a warm coat

• Wear a hat to keep your body heat in

• Wear gloves or mittens to keep your hands warm

• Wear a scarf that can cover your face and mouth to prevent cold air from entering your lungs

• Wear good insulated boots with rubber treads to help keep your feet warm and prevent falling when walking

• Take extra clothing, blankets, and warm fluids