Cold Weather Safey

Written by: Dan Mackevicius, Communications Intern

So we may be a few days late in getting this out there, seeing as how we got two inches (give or take an inch) in the Omaha metro area over the weekend, but that doesn’t make the information any less important.  We have at least three months of weather like this ahead, so take note! (Did anyone else feel a chill roll up their spine?)

Cold weather can be dangerous if you don’t prepare yourself for it, but easily managed if you do.  First things first, you have to dress appropriately!  Remember, the temperature does NOT have to be below freezing to affect your body.  Wind, when paired with cooler temperatures, can have the same effect as freezing temps.  So what does “dressing appropriately” mean?  It means:

• dressing in layers, to allow yourself to adjust to the conditions (think of Randy, pictured above, from the classic A Christmas Story).  Don’t allow yourself to overexert while doing anything physical like scooping snow; this can result in heat illness.
• wearing a hat, preferably one that covers your ears, and know that mittens are warmer than gloves.
• wearing waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry.  Cold, wet feet are uncomfortable for a reason: they are susceptible to frostbite and can help contribute to hypothermia.  Boots also allow for better traction on icy sidewalks.

And if your clothes do get wet, get out of them as soon as you can and wrap yourself in a blanket and warm your core body temperature with hot cider or soup.  Avoid caffeine and alcohol if you are trying to ward off hypothermia.  This means no tea or coffee!  Sorry!

Don’t underestimate hypothermia, it is a dangerous condition.  Know the warning signs: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering.  If you or someone you know is showing any of these symptoms seek medical help immediately.  Frostbite can be a concern as well.  Here is what you should look for: gray, white, or yellow skin discoloration, numbness and waxy-feeling skin.  Once again, if you see any of these symptoms, find medical help.

Cold weather also means people tend to huddle together indoors to keep warm.  This is common sense but it also leads to more contact with illnesses.  It’s why colds and flues tend to make the rounds in winter.  With that in mind, here are a few tips to keep you and those around you healthy:

• Cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze.
• Clean your hands often.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth; these are entry ways for various bugs.
• Stay home if you feel sick, and check up with a health care provider when needed.

It’s one of the few things we in this part of the country can count on: the changing seasons.  So please plan ahead and keep yourself safe.