Be cold-weather smart
Posted Jan 21, 2011 05:59:45 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
COLD WEATHER NOTES
If you’re planning on heading out this weekend to enjoy all that winter has to offer in this city, here are a few cold safety tips.
Wear a hat because up to 40 per cent of body heat loss can occur through the head.
Wear gloves or mittens and keep them dry by either changing them or putting them in the dryer.
Wear a scarf to protect your chin, lips and cheeks. All are extremely susceptible to cold weather injuries.
Drink warm fluids, but no alcohol. Alcohol promotes other cold weather injuries.
If you start to sweat, cool off a little. Wet clothes will also encourage other cold weather injuries.
Wear clothes in layers
Always be on the lookout for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
Ottawa Public Health says you can spot frostbite using the Four P’s:
1. Pink – affected areas will be reddish in colour. This is the first sign of frostbite
2. Pain – affected areas will become painful
3. Patches – white, waxy feeling patches show up – skin is dying
4. Pricklies – the areas will then feel numb
If you do get frostbite, do not rub or massage affected areas. It may cause more damage. Warm up the area slowly. Use a warm compresses or your own body heat to re-warm the area. Underarms are a good place.
And J.P. Trottier with the Ottawa Paramedic Service says a warm blanket fresh from the dryer works really well to warm you up.
To spot signs of hypothermia, Trottier says to look for the “UMBLES” in anyone that has been outside for a long period of time. That’s someone who mumbles, stumbles or fumbles with objects.
For infants look for cold reddish skin and low energy and always have a thermometer at home.
If you do suspect hypothermia, remove wet clothing and get to a warm place as soon as possible. Use several layers of blankets heated in your home dryer if possible.
