Be Safe During Cold Weather

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, hypothermia occurs when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. When this happens, your body begins to lose heat faster than it’s produced. Lengthy exposures eventually uses up your body’s stored energy, which leads to lower body temperature.

While hypothermia is most common during very cold temperatures, it can still occur during cool temperatures (above 40°F) if a person becomes chilled from rain, sweat, or submersion in cold water.

The people most at risk of hypothermia include:

• Older adults with inadequate food, clothing, or heating.
• Babies sleeping in cold bedrooms.
• People who remain outdoors for long periods - people without housing, hikers, hunters.
• People who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs.

Know the warning signs of hypothermia:

• Shivering
• Exhaustion or feeling very tired
• Confusion
• Fumbling hands
• Memory loss
• Slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Bright red, cold skin
• Very low energy

Remember to Protect the 4 P’s during Cold Weather

• People — Minimize time outdoors. Dress in layers. Check on loved ones.
• Pets — Keep warm and dry indoors. Make sure food and water don’t freeze. Limit time outside.
• Pipes — Insulate pipes. Open sink cabinets to expose pipes to heated air. Disconnect hoses and turn off sprinklers.
• Plants — Know temperature thresholds. Bring sensitive plants inside. If possible, cover plants before cold weather sets in to help retain heat.