Dangers of Wind Chill

Snow and icy roads aren’t the only thing you have to worry about…The Zanesville Muskingum County Health Department explains the dangers of wind chill.

Director of Nursing Gloria Kieffer says when exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced.  It’s very important to stay dry because when your skin gets wet, you lose heat faster.  It’s also important to keep wind chill in mind.

"When the wind is blowing, that’s one way that your body loses heat. It is important to dress for that and have layers that keep heat in, and cover your exposed skin with mittens, and hats, and scarfs," said Kieffer. 

Wool and silk inner layers of clothing will hold more body heat than cotton.  Kieffer says it is important to wear these types of clothing because severe wind chill can lead to other health problems such as frostbite and hypothermia.  When outside, look for all the early warning signs.

"When your body loses too much heat, you begin to shiver, and you should not ignore shivering because that’s an early sign that your body is losing too much heat so you need to get inside and get warm," said Kieffer. 

Kieffer says when in doubt, always be prepared for the cold and keep your skin always protected.