Cold Weather Tips Key to Staying Healthy -- 1.06.2010
COLUMBUS PUBLIC HEALTH – Press Release
FOR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 2010
Tips for Staying Healthy and Safe when Temperatures Drop
Precautions Help Prevent Weather-Related Injuries and Illness
With cold weather here and the persistent threat of more winter weather on its way, Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long is giving residents tips to keep them and their loved ones healthy and safe this winter.
“Extremely cold weather can cause hypothermia, frostbite and other health problems, and it is particularly dangerous to infants and the elderly,” says Dr. Long. “But, there are simple things we all can do to minimize our chances of weather related illnesses and injuries.” To help protect against the cold, Dr. Long suggests several ways to stay healthy and safe.
Dress Warmly and Eat Right
- In extremely cold temperatures, try to stay indoors. Make outdoor trips brief and dress in several layers of loose clothing to reduce body heat loss.
- Stay dry – wet clothing rapidly chills the body. And, because most body heat is lost through the head, wear a warm hat, as well as mittens which are warmer than gloves.
- Eat regularly. Food provides calories that maintain body heat.
Shovel Snow with Caution
- If you have heart disease or high blood pressure, follow your doctor’s advice about shoveling snow or other hard work in the cold. If you do shovel snow, take frequent breaks and drink plenty of water.
- Wear shoes that provide traction and watch your step on icy and slippery surfaces.
Watch for Hypothermia
- Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia – slurred speech, confusion, uncontrollable shivering, stumbling, drowsiness and body temperature of less than 95° F. Get immediate medical attention if you think someone has frostbite or hypothermia.
- Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body temperature with a blanket and warm fluids. Avoid caffeinated and alcoholic beverages.
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Use a fireplace, wood stove or other combustion heater only if they are properly vented to the outside. Ensure adequate ventilation if you must use a space heater.
- Never use an electric generator indoors, inside the garage, or near the air-intake of your house because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Never use a charcoal or gas grill inside – the fumes are deadly.
- Install a smoke detector and battery operated carbon monoxide detector. Check them frequently and replace the batteries as needed.
Keep Emergency Supplies on Hand
- Stock blankets, matches, a first aid kit, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, non-electric can opener, prescription medication, food, water and, other special supplies such as diapers and pet food. Keep several days’ supply of non-cooking food items such as bread, peanut butter, dried fruits and bottled water (5 gallons per person) in case water pipes freeze or rupture.
- Equip your car with supplies, including: cell phone and charger; blankets; first aid kit; collapsible shovel; flashlight and extra batteries; and, a windshield scraper.
Keep Food Safe During a Power Outage
- If the power goes out, keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible. A full freezer can stay at freezing temperatures about two days, a half-full freezer about 1 day.
If you think the power will be out for several days, pack ice in your refrigerator and keep raw food separate from ready-to-eat foods. - Refrigerated foods should be safe if the power is only out a few hours and the doors have been closed. Items such as meat and fish should be discarded if they are warmer than 41° F.
- Frozen foods that remain frozen are not a risk. If food is thawed, but still cold or has ice crystals, you should use them as soon as possible. If they are thawed and warmer than 41°F, you should throw them away.
Other Precautions
- Check on elderly family, friends and neighbors to make sure they are safe.
- Make sure your car is properly maintained and prepared for winter. Check the antifreeze level and keep the gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tanks and fuel lines.
- If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm and make sure they have access to unfrozen water.
More on Staying Healthy in Cold Weather
Links
CDC Emergency Preparedness - Winter Weather Safety