5 Winter Safety Tips For The Whole Family

On average, approximately 1,200 people die each year from weather related deaths due to exposure to the cold. Here are a few things you can do to protect the whole family:

Layer Up

When the temperature begins to drop outdoors, start wearing layers of clothing. Removing layers is always better than not having enough.

Look for Warning Signs

Small children especially love to play outdoors in the cold for hours. They may not notice signs and symptoms of hypothermia, such as:

• Feeling weak
• Skin turning red
• Becoming very pale with a stinging or burning sensation to the face or hands

Head Inside

Make sure you are looking for these things and tell the kids when they need to come inside.

Young and Old

As the “Sandwich Generation,” we find ourselves checking on both small children and mature adults. An easy thing to do to keep everyone healthy is to take ‘warm up breaks.’ This will help bring the body temperature back into normal range so you can beat the cold.

What to Wear

When you are outside, make sure to protect yourself. Here are areas that give off the most body heat and are important to keep covered:

• Head
• Neck
• Chest
• Hands
• Feet

Pets

Don’t forget Fido! Make sure to protect them from the elements, as well. Bring pets in from the cold and don’t leave them outside when the temperature drops. When pets come back inside after being out, be sure to dry them off. Remember, if you feel cold they probably do, too!

*Department of the Aging; ASPCA and American Red Cross