Seven Tips for Cold Weather Safety

When winter weather conditions become severe, it’s essential to prepare for any potential safety risks. Here are seven tips to help keep you safe and aware in preparation of dangerous weather conditions. 

1) Look for Weather Forecast Updates

• Check www.weather.gov for weather updates.
• Look for winter weather warnings; warnings are searchable by local climate and are issued when significant snow and/or wind chills are expected.

2) Dress Warmly

• Dress in layers, with a wind-resistant outer layer.
• When it is cold, wear a hat and gloves. Keep your face warm with a scarf or facemask.
• Wear warm and waterproof footwear. When temperatures are very low, or the wind chill is significant, cover as much exposed skin as possible. For any exposed areas, such as the ears, nose, fingers, and toes, lose heat the fastest.

3) Plan Ahead

• Develop a cold-weather safety plan in advance to ensure safety concerns are addressed when it’s extremely cold or when the wind chills are significant. 

4) Limit Time Outside

• When the wind chill is significant, get out of the wind and limit your time outdoors.

5) Stay Dry

• Wet clothing chills the body rapidly.
• Remove outer layers of clothing or open your coat if you are sweating.

6) Keep Active When Outside

• Walking or running will help warm you by generating body heat.

7) Be Aware

• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia
• Some people are more susceptible to the cold, particularly children, the elderly, and those with circulation problems.

As always, if you “See Something, Say Something.” For life-threatening emergencies, call 911. To report suspicious activity, call 855-RPRT-2-S4 (855-777-8274).