Cold Weather Tips

Winter has already made its presence known in Maryland, but with some of the coldesttemperatures of the season forecast for this weekend, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) reminds Marylanders of the importance of preventing cold weather hazards such as hypothermia and frostbite.

High winds, combined with cold temperatures--also known as the wind chill factor--puts people at risk of hypothermia (low body temperatures) and frostbite (skin damage caused by extreme cold).

Those people most vulnerable include the elderly, the homeless, infants and children, especially if they are not dressed properly for the weather and spend long periods outdoors," said DHMH Acting Secretary Arlene Stephenson. "People who work outdoors, participate in sports in cold weather or consume alcoholic beverages are also susceptible. However, the risk can be greatly reduced by taking some common sense steps."

Hypothermia occurs when the body temperature falls below 95 degress fahrenheit. Nearly 600 Americans die each year from hypothermia. Symptoms may include:

• uncontrollable shivering;
• cold, pale skin;
• numbness;
• fatigue;
• poor circulation;
• disorientation;
• slurred speech; and
• bluish or puffy skin.

Another cold weather risk is frostbite. Frostbite refers to actual freezing and subsequent destruction of body tissue which is likely to occur any time skin temperature gets much below 32 degrees fahrenheit. The areas most likely to freeze are toes, fingers, ears, cheeks and the tip of the nose.

Persons at greatest risk for frostbite are those with impaired circulation, the elderly, the very young and anyone who remains outside for prolonged periods. The danger increases if the individual becomes wet.

Symptoms of frostbite include:

• gradual numbness;
• hardness and paleness of the affected area during exposure;
• pain and tingling or burning in affected area following warming; and
• possible change of skin color to purple.

NEVER MASSAGE OR RUB FROSTBITTEN AREAS AS THIS MAY CAUSE FURTHER DAMAGE TO THE SKIN.

Follow these tips to 'weather' the winter in a healthy way:

• Cover your head. You lose as much as 50% of your body heat through your head.
• Wear several layer of lightweight, loose-fitting clothing. The air between the layers act as insulation to keep you warmer.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect lungs from direct, extremely cold air. Cover your ears and lower part of your face as well.
• Wear mittens rather than fingered gloves. The close contact of the fingers helps to keep your hands warm.
• Wear warm leg coverings and heavy socks, or two pairs of lightweight socks.
• Wear waterproof boots or sturdy shoes to keep your feet warm and dry.

MORE INFORMATION ON COLD WEATHER

Winter Storm Facts

Extreme Cold Prevention Guide - Comprehensive resource that includes emergency supply list, preparing your home and car, indoor and outdoor safety, travel, frostbite, hypothermia. . . .

The Cold FAQs - Frequently asked questions about hypothermia, wind chill, frostbite. . .

When the Power Goes Out - Preparing and coping with a sudden loss of power.