Protect Yourself While out in Freezing Weather: Red Cross Advice

Lots of advice is being published around the state as temperatures plunge and rising winds raise the wind chill factor, making hypothermia more of a threat.

Television station WTNH-TV (Channel 8 in New Haven) reminds its audience that, despite the temps, ponds may not be entirely frozen and could still be a danger. The station also reports on advice for dog owners: Dog sweaters may be very helpful, along with dog boots for dogs without very hard pads on their feet; for dogs kept outside at night, straw is better than blankets and can be found at home improvement stores and farms.

WFSB-TV (Channel 3 in Hartford) passes on advice from the Connecticut Motor Club AAA: Cold weather causes some car troubles, and the AAA advises keeping an emergency kit in your car; changing car batteries every three years; be careful with running the battery low with cell-phone charging and with other devices; and “To help prevent door locks from freezing, drivers can spray silicone or graphite into it. If it is already frozen, heat up the car key.”

Here’s advice on staying safe when outdoors during the cold weather, from the American Red Cross Connecticut Chapter:

Frigid temperatures are forecast to affect Connecticut in the coming days. The American Red Cross reminds people to take precautions against the cold.

“While the cold forecast for us will be short in duration this time, it is the first truly cold weather of the season,” said Red Cross spokesperson Paul Shipman. “It’s good to reacquaint yourself with some cold weather tips to get you through the season safely.”

Avoid unnecessary exposure to the cold. Be aware of both the temperature and the wind chill when planning outdoor activities. When you prepare to go outside in severe cold weather, please remember the following:

• Most of your body heat is lost through your head so wear a hat, preferably one that covers your ears.
• Dressing in layers helps you retain heat. You can remove layers as needed if you become too warm.
• 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.
• 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.
• Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia that can be a serious medical condition: confusion, dizziness, exhaustion and severe shivering. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.
• Recognize frostbite warning signs: gray, white or yellow skin discoloration, numbness, waxy feeling skin. Seek medical attention immediately if you have these symptoms.