Outdoor Cold Weather Safety

Mom was right! Wearing your hat IS important when the weather's cold. If you're not careful, you can suffer from life-threatening conditions like frostbite or hypothermia. Here's how to stay safe:

• Dress in layers – Loose-fitting, warm clothes trap air and give you extra insulation. Wear a water-repellent coat.
• Wear a hat – Half of your body heat is lost through your head.
• Cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
• Wear mittens or gloves.
• Stay dry.
• Cold weather can put a strain on your heart. Come inside when you get cold or tired.
• If there's a snowstorm or conditions are dangerous, STAY INSIDE.

Beware of these dangerous conditions:

Frostbite is damage that happens to your skin and body when it is exposed to cold for too long. Hands, feet, ears and noses are commonly frostbitten. These areas becomes pale, cold and hard and may be numb or achy. If damage is too great, the affected area will likely have to be removed by a doctor.

Hypothermia occurs when the core temperature of your body drops below 95 degrees. At that low temperature, the body can't function; shivering and poor coordination lead to unconsciousness and, if untreated, death.

For more information, visit the VDEM Winter Campaign Web site.

This message was provided by the Virginia Department of Emergency Management and sent to you by someone who cares. Stay safe this winter!