WINTER SAFETY TIPS

WINTER SAFETY TIPS

Don’t wait, take action!

• Seek shelter in warm spaces or stay dry and out of the wind.
• Layer clothing and avoid cotton. (Synthetic fabrics wick moisture from your skin and dry quickly.)
• Wear a water repellent outer layer.
• Wear a hat/hood, 40% of body heat is lost from your head.
• Wear mittens or gloves, snug at the wrist.
• Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.
• Stay hydrated and consume warm liquids.
• Know emergency contact location and carry emergency supplies.
• Know how to get help.

Winter 2024/2025 Resource Guide

Be Alert to Cold Illness Symptoms

Hypothermia

Hypothermia is a medical emergency and immediate medical care is necessary. Be aware of early signs of cold-related illnesses.

Signs + Symptoms

• Shivering, confusion, exhaustion, drowsiness or feeling very tired.
• Memory loss and slurred speech.
• Signs in babies: bright red, cold skin, and very low energy.

Helping those who may be hypothermic:

• Get the person into a warm room or shelter.
• Remove wet clothing.
• Warm the center of the person’s body—chest, neck, head, and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. You can also use skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, clothing, towels, or sheets.
• Warm drinks can help increase body temperature, but do not give alcoholic drinks. Do not try to give beverages to an unconscious person.
• After body temperature has increased, keep the person dry and wrap their body, including their head and neck, in a warm blanket.
• Get the person proper medical attention as soon as possible.

Frostbite

A person who has frostbite may be unaware until it’s pointed out because the frozen parts of their body are numb.

Signs + Symptoms

• Redness or pain in any skin area
• A white or grayish-yellow skin area
• Skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
• Numbness

Helping those who may have frostbite:

• Get the person into a warm room as soon as possible.
• Unless necessary, do not walk on feet or toes that show signs of frostbite—this increases the damage.
• Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
• Put the areas affected by frostbite in warm—not hot—water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
• If warm water is not available, warm the affected area using body heat. For example, you can use the heat of an armpit to warm frostbitten fingers.
• Do not use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can easily burn.
• Get the person proper medical attention as soon as possible.

Health Services

Learn more

• Quick Tips for Shelter Providers/Outreach Staff (NHCHC)
• Exposure Related Conditions: Symptoms and Prevention Strategies (NHCHC)