When the mercury begins falling below freezing on a regular basis, certain risks increase. Extreme cold weather can be incredibly dangerous, especially if you aren’t prepared for the low temperatures and what they can potentially bring.
Luckily, there are things you can do to keep yourself safe in the winter. With that in mind, here are five essential cold weather safety tips everyone should use.
When you dress in several loose, light layers, you actually keep yourself warmer than if you wore a single heavy layer. The reason it works is that small pockets of warm air get trapped between the layers. Then, the air acts as an insulator, helping you stay comfortable.
Plus, with layers, you have a degree of control. If you get too warm, just remove a layer. Then, if you get chilly again, you can put it back on. This is especially helpful for those who perform physical tasks in the cold, ensuring you can keep yourself appropriately warm without overheating.
Once your body gets cold, it makes keeping your organs warm a priority. This means your extremities end up at risk, so you need to take extra steps to protect them.
Wear warm gloves and shoes or boots. Cover your ears with a hat or earmuffs. Use a scarf to protect your nose and mouth. That way, you are giving your extremities the protection they need and decreasing your frostbite risk.
Hypothermia isn’t just dangerous; it’s potentially deadly. By knowing the signs, you can take action if you or someone you know begins showing symptoms. These include drowsiness, exhaustion, shivering, disorientation, memory loss, and slurred speech. If you suspect someone may be suffering from hypothermia, seek immediate medical attention. If not immediately available, work to warm the person up, such as with additional layers or bringing them closer to a heat source.
Certain heat sources can be dangerous without proper ventilation. This can include heaters that rely on fuels like propane or wood, where smoke and fumes, including deadly carbon monoxide, could fill the space.
Additionally, if you are using a wood-burning heat source, make sure a fire extinguisher is nearby. Also, make sure that there is nothing flammable near any kind of heater, reducing the odds that the radiating heat will light something in the area.
When the weather gets cold, skip any outdoor activities that aren’t genuinely necessary. You’ll subsequently limit your exposure to the freezing temperatures, decreasing the odds that the extreme cold will cause you any harm.
If you simply must be outside, try to limit your outdoor time. Additionally, if you feel cold, see if you can squeeze in a break indoors, giving yourself a chance to warm up before going back to the task.
If you’d like to learn more about extreme temperature safety, the knowledgeable team at TRC Staffing Services can help. Contact us to speak with one of our experienced staff members today and see how our safety expertise can benefit you.