Coping with Cold Weather

Cold weather is here to stay for a few months – keep your guard up against cold weather injury.

Keep your body temperature at or about normal (98.6° F)

  • Wear layers of clothing both inside and outdoors
  • Wear cotton or lightweight wool next to the skin and wool layers over your underwear
  • Keep dry by having proper rain gear available and a pair of good, waterproof boots
  • An extra pair of clean, dry socks can really come in handy
  • Don’t forget to protect your neck and ears; you can lose a lot of heat from these two areas
  • A good pair of gloves is essential

Signs of frostbite

  • Skin will become white
  • Reduced circulation
  • In the worst case, blisters will form but you won’t feel any pain

First aid for frostbite

  • NEVER rub the frozen part of the body with snow
  • Add extra clothing or use a blanket to cover the frozen area
  • Get out of the cold and into a warm location
  • The frozen area may be immersed in warm water but NEVER use hot water
  • If the condition does not improve seek professional medical attention

Portable heaters

  • If they are not properly maintained they can cause accidents
  • Carbon monoxide can result from defective ventilating and from incomplete fuel burn
  • All portable heaters should be checked by a competent person before being put into use
  • Locate fuel containers, regulators, piping and hose where they will not be subject to damage
  • LP gas containers not in use should be stored upright, in a specified outside location and protected against damage
  • Containers in use must be kept in an upright position and secured
  • Always be sure to protect the valves from physical damage

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