ZMHD Provides Extreme Cold Weather Safety Tips

ZANESVILLE, OH – Winter weather is back with a bite, and if you’re not careful, it can do some serious damage. The Zanesville-Muskingum County Health Department has some tips to help you stay warm and safe this winter

When the temperature hits zero degrees with 15 per mile hour winds, the wind chill drops to a dangerous negative 20. At that level, frostbite can set in in just 30 minutes. Experts recommend dressing in layers, covering your skin, and staying indoors as much as possible to prevent frostbite or hypothermia. 

“The areas of your body that are most prone to frostbite are your nose, your ears, your toes, and your fingers. So, wear gloves, warm socks, a facial mask, or a scarf, and earmuffs. Those are really important to protect those vital areas. Also dress in layers. Hypothermia can also be an issue and that occurs when the body temperature is less than 95 degrees. You want to make sure that you’re dressed warmly.” Dr. Jack Butterfield Medical Director, ZMCHD

Symptoms of hypothermia include pale or grey skin, clumsiness, confusion, and even unconsciousness. If you notice somebody has these signs, get the person to a warm area, remove and replace wet or cold clothing, warm them up gradually, and call 911. The same steps should be taken if frostbite is suspected. Staying warm indoors is important, but make sure your heating methods are safe. Improper heating sources can produce carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas that can be deadly. 

“When you are trying to stay warm indoors, do not use combustible forms of heat like kerosene heaters, gasoline engines, or charcoal grills. Every year we see people with carbon monoxide poisoning from using combustible heating sources indoors. It’s very important that you don’t do that.” Dr. Butterfield said. 

Don’t forget, it’s always a good idea to keep an emergency kit in your car with blankets, extra clothing, and supplies to stay safe and warm if you get stranded in winter weather.