Red Cross Offer Safety Tips for Cold Weather
♊ Philip Atkins ♊
American Red Cross
Release Date and Time: 11-22-2010 08:15:00 AM
News Release
SEATTLE, November 22, 2010— Exposure to cold can cause injury or
serious illness such as frostbite or hypothermia. The likelihood of
injury or illness depends on factors such as physical activity,
clothing, wind, humidity, working and living conditions, and a
person's age and state of health. The American Red Cross offers these
tips to stay safe in the cold weather:
Dress appropriately before going outdoors. The air temperature does
not have to be below freezing for someone to experience cold
emergencies such as hypothermia and frostbite. Wind speed can create
dangerously cold conditions even when the temperature is not that low.
* If possible, avoid being outside in the coldest part of the day, or
for extended periods of time in extreme cold weather.
* Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing conditions. Avoid
overdressing or overexertion that can lead to illness.
* Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat,
preferably one that covers your ears.
* Mittens provide more warmth to your hands than gloves.
* Wear waterproof, insulated boots to help avoid hypothermia or
frostbite by keeping your feet warm and dry and to maintain your
footing in ice and snow.
* Take frequent breaks and stay hydrated.
* Get out of wet clothes immediately and warm the core body
temperature with a blanket or warm fluids like hot cider or soup.
Avoid drinking caffeine or alcohol if you expect you or someone you
are trying to help has hypothermia or frostbite.
* Keep a winter storm survival kit in your car. This should include
blankets, food, flares, chains, gloves and first aid supplies.
* Prepare your vehicle. Winterize your car by taking it to a trusted
mechanic, who will check things like the tires for appropriate
pressure and tread, the cooling system, the battery, the wiper blades
and washer fluid, etc.
* During the winter months, make sure to keep your gas tank near full
to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Keep extra blankets in the
trunk in the event that you are stranded and have to wait for help.
For more safety tips or to purchase a disaster kit for your home or
vehicle, please visit www.seattleredcross.org or
www.redcrosswashington.org.
# # #
The American Red Cross is a non-profit, humanitarian agency dedicated
to helping make families and communities safer at home and around the
world. For more information, visit www.seattleredcross.org.
rpin.org.
Posted by American Red Cross
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