|
|
|
|
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 Mount Rainier Chapter offers these tips to
stay safe in this weekend’s cold weather:
|
|
|
Disaster Services
Quick Links
Local
Red Cross Disaster Relief
Local
Red Cross Response
Fire
Safety
Flood
Safety
Cold Weather Safety Tips
Winter
Storm Safety
Preventing
& Thawing Frozen Pipes
Learn
How Together We Can Prepare
Emergency
Communications Plans
Disaster
Welfare Inquiries
Volcano
Safety
Volcano
Preparedness Info (PDF)
Ashfall
Safety Precautions
Tsunami Education &
Awareness
Tsunami Safety
Water
Safety Tips
Hiking
& Camping Safety
Shop
@ the Red Cross On-Line Store!
Volunteer
Opportunities
Home
|
|
|
·
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. Supplies should include sand or cat litter
(for traction, shovel, rope tow, flares, chains, jumper cables, radio,
flashlight with extra batteries, first aid supplies, gloves, clothing,
blankets, food, and water.
·
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.
|
