Winter is quickly approaching, so it is time to think about your safety when preparing for the winter months. When working outside in the cold, wear layers of clothing to stay warm, i.e., thermal undergarments, insulated pants, coats and overalls.
Frostbite can occur in the cold temperatures especially when bare skin is exposed. Symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling and clumsiness due to joint stiffness. Skin can also become cold, hard and waxy-looking and may blister after rewarming. Skin discoloration can occur in frostbite, including red, white, blue, gray, purple or brown, depending on the seriousness of the frostbite.
It is important to note that you need to seek immediate emergency care for intense pain, intense shivering, slurred speech, drowsiness and trouble walking. These are also symptoms of hypothermia.
Having an emergency kit in your vehicle is important, especially in the winter. Here are a few items to consider:
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First-aid kit
- Booster cables and windshield brush/scraper
- Drinking water and high-calorie, non-perishable food, i.e., trail mix and energy/protein bars
- Sand or cat litter for traction
- Cell phone adapter/charger
- Blanket
- Hand warmers
Can You Get Dehydrated in the Winter?
The answer is yes. We always tend to think about the summer, hot temperatures, and sweating when it comes to dehydration. Even if you are not sweating, you lose water through the skin and the drier air from the heating of our homes and buildings.
We tend to drink less water in the winter months; therefore, dehydration can occur. Signs of dehydration in the winter are dry, cracked lips and skin and even digestion issues.
According to the American Heart Association, it is important to sip on water throughout the day in the winter.