Avoid cold related injuries

Extreme cold can cause frostbite, injury to body tissue, and hypothermia, dangerously low body temperature. To avoid health problems related to extreme cold:

• • Dress in layers
  • Stay dry (sweat can lead to hypothermia)
  • Eat regularly
  • Stay hydrated, avoiding caffeine and alcohol.
  • Stretch before you go out
  • Avoid overexertion.
  • Watch for signs of hypothermia and frostbite. If signs appear, seek medical assistance and get to a warm place immeditately. If you don’t have one, review the local warming center tab in the resources below. Remove any wet clothing and begin warming the person with symptoms slowly, starting with the trunk of the body.

Avoid CO poisoning:

• • Have CO detectors on each level of your home and check/change their batteries every six months.
  • Get your heating system, water heater and any other gas, oil, or coal burning appliances serviced by a qualified technician every year.
  • Keep vents and flues free of debris. Debris can block ventilation lines.
  • Use fireplaces, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters only if they are properly vented to the outside.

NEVER:

• Leave the motor running in a vehicle parked in an enclosed or partially enclosed space, such as a garage.
• Run any gasoline-powered engine (vehicle, generator, etc.) less than 20 feet from open windows, doors, or vents or inside a basement, garage, or other enclosed structure, even if the doors or windows are open.
• Use a charcoal grill, hibachi, lantern, or portable camping stove inside a home, tent, or camper.

If you suspect CO poisoning, warn others and leave the area, opening windows and doors on your way out. Call 911 or a health care professional right away. Click here to learn more.

Safe Travel

If you are travelling by car this winter season and are travelling to or living in an area at risk of experiencing winter storms:

1. • Drive cautiously, keeping your distance from other cars, avoiding cruise control, and breaking slowly.
   • Check the weather for storms and snow and prepare accordingly. Remember that the weather forecast is more accurate the closer you get to your travel date.
   • Decide on the safest route and let someone know where you are going and your expected time of arrival.
   • Winterize your vehicle by keeping it well maintained, installing good tires, and adding winter supplies to your vehicle’s emergency kit including items to remove or melt snow (shovel, salt, sand, etc.), snow chains, a windshield scraper, and warm clothes/ blankets.