Winter Storms Are Dangerous

The majority of deaths caused by winter storms are from vehicle accidents due to ice and snow. Heart attacks brought on by over-exertion from shoveling or clearing snow also increase during and after storms. Finally, individuals also suffer dangerous injuries such as frostbite and hypothermia because of exposure and lack of protection from the wind and cold. Another significant danger is sickness or death from carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur when using portable generators indoors, in attached garages, too close to the house, or when starting a vehicle without clearing snow and ice from the tailpipe. Generators should be used only outdoors and should be located at least 20 feet away from doors, windows, and vents.

Understanding Wind Chill

As the wind increases, your body is cooled at a faster rate, causing the skin temperature to drop. This is why it sometimes “feels” colder than the actual temperature. Wind chill is the temperature it “feels like” when you are outside. The National Weather Service provides a Wind Chill Chart to show the difference between air temperature, the perceived temperature, and the amount of time until frostbite occurs.

Cold Weather Dangers

If you detect symptoms of frostbite, which is the freezing of the skin and body tissue beneath the skin, in either yourself or another person, seek medical care IMMEDIATELY. Additionally, hypothermia occurs when one's body temperature drops to dangerously low levels. Before addressing symptoms of frostbite, first determine whether you or someone else is showing signs of hypothermia.

Signs of Hypothermia

• Uncontrollable shivering
• Memory loss or disorientation
• Incoherence or slurred speech
• Drowsiness
• Apparent exhaustion

What to Do (Hypothermia)

• Get the victim to a warm location.
• Remove wet clothing.
• Warm the center of the body first by wrapping the person in blankets or putting on dry clothing.
• Give warm, nonalcoholic beverages if the person is conscious.
• Take the person's temperature. If their temperature is below 95 degrees, seek medical attention immediately.

Signs of Frostbite

• Loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities, such as fingers, toes, earlobes, face, and the tip of the nose.

What to Do (Frostbite)

• Cover exposed skin, but do not rub the affected area in an attempt to warm it up.
• Frostbite results in the formation of ice crystals in the tissue, and rubbing could damage the tissue. Seek medical help immediately.
• For more information, visit the CDC’s page on frostbite and hypothermia.