U.S. Department of Health And Human ServicesCenters for Disease Control and Prevention

U . S . D e p a r t m e n t o f H e a l t h A n d H u m a n S e r v i c e s

C e n t e r s f o r D i s e a s e C o n t r o l a n d P r e v e n t i o n

For more information on hot weather conditions and health, please contact:

Centers for Disease Control and PreventionNational Center for Environmental Health, MS F52

4700 Buford Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30341-37171-888-232-6789; EHHEinq@cdc.gov

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/hsb/extremeheat/

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n o n c o l d w e a t h e r c o n d i t i o n s a n d h e a l t h , p l e a s e c o n t a c t :

C e n t e r s f o r D i s e a s e C o n t r o l a n d P r e v e n t i o n

N a t i o n a l C e n t e r f o r E n v i r o n m e n t a l H e a l t h , M S F 5 2

4 7 0 0 B u f o r d H w y , A t l a n t a , G A 3 0 3 4 1 - 3 7 1 7

1 - 8 8 8 - 2 3 2 - 6 7 8 9 ; E H H E i n q @ c d c . g o v

h t t p : / / w w w . c d c . g o v / n c e h / h s b / e x t r e m e c o l d /

eat-related deaths and illness are preventable yet annually many peoplesuccumb to extreme heat. Historically,from 1979 to 1999, excessive heat exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the

United States. During this period,more people in this country died from extreme heat thanfrom hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earth-quakes combined. In 2001, 300 deaths were caused byexcessive heat exposure.

People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies areunable to compensate and properly cool themselves. Thebody normally cools itself by sweating. But under someconditions, sweating just isnt enough. In such cases, a persons body temperature rises rapidly. Very high bodytemperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs.

Several factors affect the bodys ability to cool itself duringextremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweatwill not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body fromreleasing heat quickly. Other conditions related to risk

include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mentalillness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug andalcohol use.

Because heat-related deaths are preventable, people need tobe aware of who is at greatest risk and what actions can betaken to prevent a heat-related illness or death. The elderly,the very young, and people with mental illness and chronicdiseases are at highest risk. However, even young andhealthy individuals can succumb to heat if they participatein strenuous physical activities during hot weather. Air-conditioning is the number one protective factoragainst heat-related illness and death. If a home is not air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heat-relatedillness by spending time in public facilities that are air-conditioned.

Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or theconstruction site, must be balanced with measures that aidthe bodys cooling mechanisms and prevent heat-related illness.This pamphlet tells how you can prevent, recognize,and cope with heat-related health problems.

h e n w i n t e r t e m p e r a t u r e s d r o p

s i g n i f i c a n t l y b e l o w n o r m a l , s t a y i n g

w a r m a n d s a f e c a n b e c o m e a c h a l -

l e n g e . E x t r e m e l y c o l d t e m p e r a t u r e s

o f t e n a c c o m p a n y a w i n t e r s t o r m , s o y o u

m a y h a v e t o c o p e w i t h p o w e r f a i l u r e s a n d

i c y r o a d s . A l t h o u g h s t a y i n g i n d o o r s a s m u c h a s p o s s i b l e c a n

h e l p r e d u c e t h e r i s k o f c a r c r a s h e s a n d f a l l s o n t h e i c e , y o u

m a y a l s o f a c e i n d o o r h a z a r d s . M a n y h o m e s w i l l b e t o o

c o l d e i t h e r d u e t o a p o w e r f a i l u r e o r b e c a u s e t h e h e a t i n g

s y s t e m i s n t a d e q u a t e f o r t h e w e a t h e r . W h e n p e o p l e m u s t

u s e s p a c e h e a t e r s a n d f i r e p l a c e s t o s t a y w a r m , t h e r i s k o f

h o u s e h o l d f i r e s i n c r e a s e s , a s w e l l a s t h e r i s k o f c a r b o n

m o n o x i d e p o i s o n i n g .

E x p o s u r e t o c o l d t e m p e r a t u r e s , w h e t h e r i n d o o r s o r o u t s i d e ,

c a n c a u s e o t h e r s e r i o u s o r l i f e - t h r e a t e n i n g h e a l t h p r o b l e m s .

I n f a n t s a n d t h e e l d e r l y a r e p a r t i c u l a r l y a t r i s k , b u t a n y o n e

c a n b e a f f e c t e d . T o k e e p y o u r s e l f a n d y o u r f a m i l y s a f e , y o u

s h o u l d k n o w h o w t o p r e v e n t c o l d - r e l a t e d h e a l t h p r o b l e m s

a n d w h a t t o d o i f a c o l d - w e a t h e r h e a l t h e m e r g e n c y a r i s e s .

T h e e m e r g e n c y p r o c e d u r e s o u t l i n e d h e r e

a r e n o t a s u b s t i t u t e f o r t r a i n i n g i n f i r s t

a i d . H o w e v e r , t h e s e p r o c e d u r e s w i l l h e l p

y o u t o k n o w w h e n t o s e e k m e d i c a l c a r e

a n d w h a t t o d o u n t i l h e l p b e c o m e s a v a i l a b l e .

W h a t I s E x t r e m e C o l d ?

W h a t c o n s t i t u t e s e x t r e m e c o l d a n d i t s e f f e c t s c a n v a r y

a c r o s s d i f f e r e n t a r e a s o f t h e c o u n t r y . I n r e g i o n s r e l a t i v e l y

u n a c c u s t o m e d t o w i n t e r w e a t h e r , n e a r f r e e z i n g t e m p e r a t u r e s

a r e c o n s i d e r e d e x t r e m e c o l d . W h e n e v e r t e m p e r a t u r e s

d r o p d e c i d e d l y b e l o w n o r m a l a n d a s w i n d s p e e d i n c r e a s e s ,

h e a t c a n l e a v e y o u r b o d y m o r e r a p i d l y . T h e s e w e a t h e r -

r e l a t e d c o n d i t i o n s m a y l e a d t o s e r i o u s h e a l t h p r o b l e m s .

E x t r e m e c o l d i s a d a n g e r o u s s i t u a t i o n t h a t c a n b r i n g o n

h e a l t h e m e r g e n c i e s i n s u s c e p t i b l e p e o p l e , s u c h a s t h o s e

w i t h o u t s h e l t e r o r w h o a r e s t r a n d e d , o r w h o l i v e i n a h o m e

t h a t i s p o o r l y i n s u l a t e d o r w i t h o u t h e a t .

11

What Is Extreme Heat? Temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the average high temperature for the region and last for severalweeks are defined as extreme heat. Humid or muggy conditions, which add to the discomfort of high tempera-tures, occur when a dome of high atmospheric pressuretraps hazy, damp air near the ground. Excessively dry andhot conditions can provoke dust storms and low visibility.Droughts occur when a long period passes without substantialrainfall. A heat wave combined with a drought is a verydangerous situation.

During Hot Weather To protect your health when temperatures are extremelyhigh, remember to keep cool and use common sense. Thefollowing tips are important:

Drink Plenty of FluidsDuring hot weather you will need to increase your fluidintake, regardless of your activity level. Dont wait untilyoure thirsty to drink.During heavy exercisein a hot environment, drink two to fourglasses (1632 ounces) of cool fluidseach hour.

Warning:If your doctor generally limitsthe amount of fluid you drink or has youon water pills, ask how much you shoulddrink while the weather is hot.

Dont drink liquids that contain caffeine,alcohol, or large amounts of sugarthese actually cause you to losemore body fluid. Also avoid verycold drinks, because they cancause stomach cramps.

P l a n A h e a d

P r e p a r e f o r e x t r e m e l y c o l d w e a t h e r e v e r y w i n t e r i t s

a l w a y s a p o s s i b i l i t y . T h e r e a r e s t e p s y o u c a n t a k e i n a d v a n c e

f o r g r e a t e r w i n t e r t i m e s a f e t y i n y o u r h o m e a n d i n y o u r c a r .

E m e r g e n c y S u p p l i e s L i s t :

a n a l t e r n a t e w a y t o h e a t y o u r h o m e d u r i n g a p o w e r f a i l u r e :

- d r y f i r e w o o d f o r a f i r e p l a c e o r w o o d s t o v e , o r

- k e r o s e n e f o r a k e r o s e n e h e a t e r

f u r n a c e f u e l ( c o a l , p r o p a n e , o r o i l )

e l e c t r i c s p a c e h e a t e r w i t h a u t o m a t i c

s h u t - o f f s w i t c h a n d n o n - g l o w i n g e l e m e n t s

b l a n k e t s

m a t c h e s

m u l t i p u r p o s e , d r y - c h e m i c a l f i r e e x t i n g u i s h e r

f i r s t a i d k i t a n d i n s t r u c t i o n m a n u a l

f l a s h l i g h t o r b a t t e r y - p o w e r e d l a n t e r n

b a t t e r y - p o w e r e d r a d i o

b a t t e r y - p o w e r e d c l o c k o r w a t c h

e x t r a b a t t e r i e s

n o n - e l e c t r i c c a n o p e n e r

s n o w s h o v e l

r o c k s a l t

s p e c i a l n e e d s i t e m s ( d i a p e r s ,

h e a r i n g a i d b a t t e r i e s ,

m e d i c a t i o n s , e t c . )

W i n t e r S u r v i v a l K i t f o r Y o u r H o m e

K e e p s e v e r a l d a y s s u p p l y o f t h e s e i t e m s :

F o o d t h a t n e e d s n o c o o k i n g o r r e f r i g e r a t i o n ,

s u c h a s b r e a d , c r a c k e r s , c e r e a l , c a n n e d f o o d s ,

a n d d r i e d f r u i t s . R e m e m b e r b a b y f o o d a n d

f o r m u l a i f y o u h a v e y o u n g c h i l d r e n .

W a t e r s t o r e d i n c l e a n c o n t a i n e r s , o r p u r c h a s e d

b o t t l e d w a t e r ( 5 g a l l o n s p e r p e r s o n ) i n c a s e

y o u r w a t e r p i p e s f r e e z e a n d r u p t u r e .

M e d i c i n e s t h a t a n y f a m i l y m e m b e r m a y n e e d .

I f y o u r a r e a i s p r o n e t o l o n g p e r i o d s o f c o l d

t e m p e r a t u r e s , o r i f y o u r h o m e i s i s o l a t e d , s t o c k

a d d i t i o n a l a m o u n t s o f f o o d , w a t e r , a n d m e d i c i n e .

22

Replace Salt and MineralsHeavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body.These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. Ifyou must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, non-alcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replacethe salt and minerals you lose in sweat. However, if you areon a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking asports beverage or taking salt tablets.

Wear Appropriate Clothing and SunscreenWear as little clothing as possible when you are at home.Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.Sunburn affects your bodys ability to cool itself and causesa loss of body fluids. It also causes pain and damages theskin. If you must go outdoors,protect yourself from thesun by wearing awide-brimmedhat (also keepsyou cooler) alongwith sunglasses,and by putting on

sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the mosteffectiveproducts say broad spectrumor UVA/UVB protectionon theirlabels) 30 minutes prior to going out.Continue to reapplyit according to thepackage directions.

Schedule OutdoorActivities CarefullyIf you must be outdoors, try to limityour outdoor activity to morningand evening hours.Try to restoften in shady areas so that yourbodys thermostat will have a chance to recover.

Pace YourselfIf you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hotenvironment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Ifexertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves yougasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool areaor at least into the shade, and rest, especially if you becomelightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.

P r e p a r e Y o u r H o m e f o r W i n t e r

A l t h o u g h p e r i o d s o f e x t r e m e c o l d c a n n o t a l w a y s b e p r e d i c t e d

f a r i n a d v a n c e , w e a t h e r f o r e c a s t s c a n s o m e t i m e s p r o v i d e

y o u w i t h s e v e r a l d a y s n o t i c e . L i s t e n t o w e a t h e r

f o r e c a s t s r e g u l a r l y , a n d c h e c k y o u r e m e r g e n c y s u p p l i e s

w h e n e v e r a p e r i o d o f e x t r e m e c o l d i s p r e d i c t e d .

I f y o u p l a n t o u s e a f i r e p l a c e o r w o o d s t o v e f o r e m e r g e n c y

h e a t i n g , h a v e y o u r c h i m n e y o r f l u e i n s p e c t e d e a c h y e a r .

A s k y o u r l o c a l f i r e d e p a r t m e n t t o r e c o m m e n d a n i n s p e c t o r ,

o r f i n d o n e i n t h e y e l l o w p a g e s o f y o u r t e l e p h o n e d i r e c t o r y

u n d e r c h i m n e y c l e a n i n g .

A l s o , i f y o u l l b e u s i n g a f i r e p l a c e , w o o d s t o v e , o r k e r o s e n e

h e a t e r , i n s t a l l a s m o k e d e t e c t o r a n d a b a t t e r y - o p e r a t e d

c a r b o n m o n o x i d e d e t e c t o r n e a r t h e a r e a t o b e h e a t e d . T e s t

t h e m m o n t h l y , a n d r e p l a c e b a t t e r i e s t w i c e y e a r l y .

Y o u r a b i l i t y t o f e e l a c h a n g e i n t e m p e r a t u r e d e c r e a s e s w i t h

a g e , a n d o l d e r p e o p l e a r e m o r e s u s c e p t i b l e t o h e a l t h

p r o b l e m s c a u s e d b y c o l d . I f y o u a r e o v e r 6 5 y e a r s o l d ,

p l a c e a n e a s y - t o - r e a d t h e r m o m e t e r i n a n i n d o o r

l o c a t i o n w h e r e y o u w i l l s e e i t f r e q u e n t l y , a n d

c h e c k t h e t e m p e r a t u r e o f y o u r h o m e o f t e n

d u r i n g t h e w i n t e r m o n t h s .

I n s u l a t e a n y w a t e r l i n e s t h a t r u n a l o n g e x t e r i o r w a l l s s o

y o u r w a t e r s u p p l y w i l l b e l e s s l i k e l y t o f r e e z e . T o t h e e x t e n t

p o s s i b l e , w e a t h e r p r o o f y o u r h o m e b y a d d i n g w e a t h e r -

s t r i p p i n g , i n s u l a t i o n , i n s u l a t e d d o o r s a n d s t o r m w i n d o w s ,

o r t h e r m a l - p a n e w i n d o w s .

I f y o u h a v e p e t s , b r i n g t h e m i n d o o r s . I f y o u c a n n o t b r i n g

t h e m i n s i d e , p r o v i d e a d e q u a t e s h e l t e r t o k e e p t h e m w a r m

a n d m a k e s u r e t h a t t h e y h a v e a c c e s s t o u n f r o z e n w a t e r .

33

Stay Cool IndoorsStay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditionedplace. If your home does not have air conditioning, go tothe shopping mall or public libraryeven a few hoursspent in air conditioning can help your body stay coolerwhen you go back into the heat. Call your local healthdepartment to see if there are any heat-relief shelters inyour area. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when thetemperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat-related illness.Taking a cool shower or bath or moving toan air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperaturein your home.

Use a Buddy SystemWhen working in the heat, monitor the condition of yourco-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused orlose consciousness. If you are 65 years of age or older, havea friend or relative call to check on you twice a day duringa heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, checkon them at least twice a day.

Monitor Those at High RiskAlthough any one at any time can suffer from heat-relatedillness, some people are at greater risk than others.

Infants and children up to four years of age are sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and relyon others to regulate their environments and provideadequate liquids.

People 65 years of age or older may not compensatefor heat stress efficiently and are less likely to senseand respond to change in temperature.

People who are overweight may be prone to heat sicknessbecause of their tendency to retain more body heat.

People who overexert during work or exercise maybecome dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness.

People who are physically ill, especially with heartdisease or high blood pressure, or who take certainmedications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poorcirculation, may be affected by extreme heat.

Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watchthem for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants andyoung children, of course, need much more frequent watching.

P r e p a r e Y o u r C a r f o r W i n t e r

Y o u c a n a v o i d m a n y d a n g e r o u s w i n t e r t r a v e l p r o b l e m s b y

p l a n n i n g a h e a d . H a v e m a i n t e n a n c e s e r v i c e o n y o u r v e h i c l e a s

o f t e n a s t h e m a n u f a c t u r e r r e c o m m e n d s . I n a d d i t i o n , e v e r y f a l l :

H a v e t h e r a d i a t o r s y s t e m s e r v i c e d , o r c h e c k t h e

a n t i f r e e z e l e v e l y o u r s e l f w i t h a n a n t i f r e e z e t e s t e r .

A d d a n t i f r e e z e , a s n e e d e d .

R e p l a c e w i n d s h i e l d - w i p e r f l u i d w i t h a w i n t e r t i m e m i x t u r e .

R e p l a c e a n y w o r n t i r e s , a n d c h e c k t h e a i r

p r e s s u r e i n t h e t i r e s .

D u r i n g w i n t e r , k e e p t h e g a s t a n k n e a r

f u l l t o h e l p a v o i d i c e i n t h e t a n k

a n d f u e l l i n e s .

W i n t e r S u r v i v a l K i t f o r Y o u r C a r

E q u i p y o u r c a r w i t h t h e s e i t e m s :

b l a n k e t s

f i r s t a i d k i t

a c a n a n d w a t e r p r o o f

m a t c h e s ( t o m e l t

s n o w f o r w a t e r )

w i n d s h i e l d s c r a p e r

b o o s t e r c a b l e s

r o a d m a p s

m o b i l e p h o n e

c o m p a s s

t o o l k i t

p a p e r t o w e l s

b a g o f s a n d o r c a t l i t t e r

( t o p o u r o n i c e o r s n o w

f o r a d d e d t r a c t i o n )

t o w r o p e

t i r e c h a i n s ( i n a r e a s

w i t h h e a v y s n o w )

c o l l a p s i b l e s h o v e l

c o n t a i n e r o f w a t e r

a n d h i g h - c a l o r i e

c a n n e d o r d r i e d f o o d s

a n d a c a n o p e n e r

f l a s h l i g h t a n d e x t r a

b a t t e r i e s

c a n n e d c o m p r e s s e d

a i r w i t h s e a l a n t ( f o r

e m e r g e n c y t i r e r e p a i r )

b r i g h t l y c o l o r e d c l o t h

44

Adjust to the EnvironmentBe aware that any sudden change in temperature, such as anearly summer heat wave, will be stressful to your body. Youwill have a greater tolerance for heat if you limit your physical activity until you become accustomed to the heat.If you travel to a hotter climate, allow several days tobecome acclimated before attempting any vigorous exercise, and work up to it gradually.

Use Common SenseRemember to keep cool and use common sense:

Avoid hot foods and heavy mealsthey add heat to your body.

Drink plenty of fluids and replacesalts and minerals in your body.

Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing andshade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella.

Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and inplaces of potential severe exposure such as beaches.

Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car.Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and

leave the water in a shady area. I n d o o r S a f e t y

H e a t Y o u r H o m e S a f e l y

I f y o u p l a n t o u s e a w o o d s t o v e , f i r e p l a c e , o r s p a c e h e a t e r ,

b e e x t r e m e l y c a r e f u l . F o l l o w t h e m a n u f a c t u r e r s i n s t r u c t i o n s

a s w e l l a s t h e h o m e s a f e t y m e a s u r e s o n p a g e 3 , a n d r e m e m b e r

t h e s e s a f e t y t i p s :

U s e f i r e p l a c e , w o o d s t o v e s , o r o t h e r c o m b u s t i o n

h e a t e r s o n l y i f t h e y a r e p r o p e r l y v e n t e d t o t h e o u t s i d e

a n d d o n o t l e a k f l u e g a s i n t o t h e i n d o o r a i r s p a c e .

D o n o t b u r n p a p e r i n a f i r e p l a c e .

E n s u r e a d e q u a t e v e n t i l a t i o n i f y o u m u s t u s e a

k e r o s e n e h e a t e r .

U s e o n l y t h e t y p e o f f u e l y o u r h e a t e r i s d e s i g n e d t o

u s e d o n t s u b s t i t u t e .

D o n o t p l a c e a s p a c e h e a t e r w i t h i n 3 f e e t o f a n y t h i n g t h a t

m a y c a t c h o n f i r e , s u c h a s d r a p e s , f u r n i t u r e , o r b e d d i n g ,

a n d n e v e r c o v e r y o u r s p a c e h e a t e r .

N e v e r p l a c e a s p a c e h e a t e r o n t o p o f f u r n i t u r e o r n e a r w a t e r .

N e v e r l e a v e c h i l d r e n u n a t t e n d e d n e a r a s p a c e h e a t e r .

M a k e s u r e t h a t t h e c o r d o f a n e l e c t r i c s p a c e h e a t e r

i s n o t a t r i p p i n g h a z a r d b u t d o n o t r u n t h e c o r d

u n d e r c a r p e t s o r r u g s .

A v o i d u s i n g e x t e n s i o n c o r d s t o p l u g i n y o u r s p a c e h e a t e r .

I f y o u r s p a c e h e a t e r h a s a d a m a g e d e l e c t r i c a l c o r d o r

p r o d u c e s s p a r k s , d o n o t u s e i t .

S t o r e a m u l t i p u r p o s e , d r y - c h e m i c a l f i r e e x t i n g u i s h e r

n e a r t h e a r e a t o b e h e a t e d .

L i g h t a n d C o o k S a f e l y

I f t h e r e i s a p o w e r f a i l u r e :

U s e b a t t e r y - p o w e r e d f l a s h l i g h t s o r

l a n t e r n s r a t h e r t h a n c a n d l e s , i f p o s s i b l e .

N e v e r l e a v e l i t c a n d l e s u n a t t e n d e d .

N e v e r u s e a c h a r c o a l o r g a s g r i l l

i n d o o r s t h e f u m e s a r e d e a d l y .

N e v e r u s e a n e l e c t r i c g e n e r a t o r i n d o o r s ,

i n s i d e t h e g a r a g e , o r n e a r t h e a i r i n t a k e o f y o u r h o u s e

b e c a u s e o f t h e r i s k o f c a r b o n m o n o x i d e p o i s o n i n g :

P l u g i n a p p l i a n c e s t o t h e g e n e r a t o r u s i n g i n d i v i d u a l

h e a v y - d u t y , o u t d o o r - r a t e d c o r d s .

D o n o t u s e t h e g e n e r a t o r o r a p p l i a n c e s i f t h e y

a r e w e t b e c a u s e o f t h e r i s k o f e l e c t r o c u t i o n .

D o n o t s t o r e g a s o l i n e i n d o o r s w h e r e

t h e f u m e s c o u l d i g n i t e .

55

Hot Weather HealthEmergencies Even short periods of high temperatures can cause serioushealth problems. Doing too much on a hot day, spendingtoo much time in the sun or staying too long in an overheatedplace can cause heat-related illnesses. Know the symptomsof heat disorders and overexposure to the sun, and be readyto give first aid treatment.

Heat StrokeHeat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate itstemperature. The bodys temperature rises rapidly, thesweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cooldown. Body temperature may rise to 106F or higher within10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanentdisability if emergency treatment is not provided.

Recognizing Heat StrokeWarning signs of heat stroke vary but mayinclude the following:

An extremely high body temperature (above 103F, orally)

Red, hot, and dry skin (no sweating)

Rapid, strong pulse Throbbing headache Dizziness Nausea Confusion Unconsciousness

C o n s e r v e H e a t

Y o u m a y n e e d f r e s h a i r c o m i n g i n f o r y o u r h e a t e r o r f o r

e m e r g e n c y c o o k i n g a r r a n g e m e n t s . H o w e v e r , i f y o u d o n t

n e e d e x t r a v e n t i l a t i o n , k e e p a s m u c h h e a t a s p o s s i b l e i n s i d e

y o u r h o m e . A v o i d u n n e c e s s a r y o p e n i n g o f d o o r s o r w i n d o w s .

C l o s e o f f u n n e e d e d r o o m s , s t u f f t o w e l s o r r a g s i n c r a c k s

u n d e r d o o r s , a n d c l o s e d r a p e r i e s o r c o v e r w i n d o w s w i t h

b l a n k e t s a t n i g h t .

M o n i t o r B o d y T e m p e r a t u r e

I n f a n t s l e s s t h a n o n e y e a r o l d s h o u l d n e v e r s l e e p i n a c o l d

r o o m b e c a u s e ( 1 ) i n f a n t s l o s e b o d y h e a t m o r e e a s i l y t h a n

a d u l t s ; a n d ( 2 ) u n l i k e a d u l t s , i n f a n t s c a n t m a k e e n o u g h

b o d y h e a t b y s h i v e r i n g . P r o v i d e w a r m c l o t h i n g f o r i n f a n t s

a n d t r y t o m a i n t a i n a w a r m i n d o o r t e m p e r a t u r e . I f t h e

t e m p e r a t u r e c a n n o t b e m a i n t a i n e d , m a k e t e m p o r a r y

a r r a n g e m e n t s t o s t a y e l s e w h e r e . I n a n e m e r g e n c y , y o u c a n

k e e p a n i n f a n t w a r m u s i n g y o u r o w n b o d y h e a t . I f y o u m u s t

s l e e p , t a k e p r e c a u t i o n s t o p r e v e n t r o l l i n g o n t h e b a b y .

P i l l o w s a n d o t h e r s o f t b e d d i n g c a n a l s o p r e s e n t a r i s k o f

s m o t h e r i n g ; r e m o v e t h e m f r o m t h e a r e a n e a r t h e b a b y .

O l d e r a d u l t s o f t e n m a k e l e s s b o d y h e a t b e c a u s e o f a s l o w e r

m e t a b o l i s m a n d l e s s p h y s i c a l a c t i v i t y . I f y o u a r e o v e r 6 5

y e a r s o f a g e , c h e c k t h e t e m p e r a t u r e i n y o u r h o m e o f t e n

d u r i n g s e v e r e l y c o l d w e a t h e r . A l s o , c h e c k o n e l d e r l y

f r i e n d s a n d n e i g h b o r s f r e q u e n t l y t o e n s u r e t h a t t h e i r h o m e s

a r e a d e q u a t e l y h e a t e d .

K e e p a W a t e r S u p p l y

E x t r e m e c o l d c a n c a u s e w a t e r p i p e s i n y o u r

h o m e t o f r e e z e a n d s o m e t i m e s r u p t u r e .

W h e n v e r y c o l d t e m p e r a t u r e s a r e e x p e c t e d :

L e a v e a l l w a t e r t a p s s l i g h t l y o p e n s o

t h e y d r i p c o n t i n u o u s l y .

K e e p t h e i n d o o r t e m p e r a t u r e w a r m .

I m p r o v e t h e c i r c u l a t i o n o f h e a t e d a i r

n e a r p i p e s . F o r e x a m p l e , o p e n k i t c h e n

c a b i n e t d o o r s b e n e a t h t h e k i t c h e n s i n k .

I f y o u r p i p e s d o f r e e z e , d o n o t t h a w t h e m w i t h a t o r c h .

I n s t e a d , t h a w t h e m s l o w l y b y d i r e c t i n g t h e w a r m a i r f r o m

a n e l e c t r i c h a i r d r y e r o n t o t h e p i p e s .

I f y o u c a n n o t t h a w y o u r p i p e s , o r t h e p i p e s a r e r u p t u r e d ,

u s e b o t t l e d w a t e r o r g e t w a t e r f r o m a n e i g h b o r s h o m e . A s

a n e m e r g e n c y m e a s u r e i f n o o t h e r w a t e r i s a v a i l a b l e

s n o w c a n b e m e l t e d f o r w a t e r . B r i n g i n g w a t e r t o a r o l l i n g

66

What to DoIf you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with alife-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediatemedical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. Do the following:

Get the victim to a shady area. Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you

can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of cool water; place the person in a cool shower; spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose; sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him or her vigorously.

Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling efforts until the body temperature drops to 101102F.

If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call thehospital emergency room for further instructions.

Do not give the victim fluids to drink. Get medical assistance as soon as possible.

Sometimes a victims muscles will begin to twitch uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke. If this happens,keep the victim from injuring himself, but do not place anyobject in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turningthe victim on his or her side.

Heat ExhaustionHeat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness thatcan develop after several days of exposure to high temper-atures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids.It is the bodys response to an excessive loss of the waterand salt contained in sweat. Those most prone to heatexhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure,and people working or exercising in a hot environment. b o i l f o r o n e m i n u t e w i l l k i l l m o s t m i c r o o r g a n i s m s o r p a r a s i t e s

t h a t m a y b e p r e s e n t , b u t w o n t r e m o v e c h e m i c a l p o l l u t a n t s

s o m e t i m e s f o u n d i n s n o w .

E a t a n d D r i n k W i s e l y

E a t i n g w e l l - b a l a n c e d m e a l s w i l l h e l p y o u

s t a y w a r m e r . D o n o t d r i n k a l c o h o l i c o r

c a f f e i n a t e d b e v e r a g e s t h e y c a u s e y o u r

b o d y t o l o s e h e a t m o r e r a p i d l y . I n s t e a d ,

d r i n k w a r m , s w e e t b e v e r a g e s o r b r o t h t o

h e l p m a i n t a i n y o u r b o d y t e m p e r a t u r e . I f

y o u h a v e a n y d i e t a r y r e s t r i c t i o n s , a s k

y o u r d o c t o r .

O u t d o o r S a f e t y

W h e n t h e w e a t h e r i s e x t r e m e l y c o l d , a n d e s p e c i a l l y i f t h e r e

a r e h i g h w i n d s , t r y t o s t a y i n d o o r s . M a k e a n y t r i p s o u t s i d e

a s b r i e f a s p o s s i b l e , a n d r e m e m b e r t h e s e t i p s t o p r o t e c t y o u r

h e a l t h a n d s a f e t y :

D r e s s W a r m l y a n d S t a y D r y

A d u l t s a n d c h i l d r e n s h o u l d w e a r :

a h a t

a s c a r f o r k n i t m a s k t o

c o v e r f a c e a n d m o u t h

s l e e v e s t h a t a r e s n u g a t t h e w r i s t

m i t t e n s ( t h e y a r e w a r m e r t h a n g l o v e s )

w a t e r - r e s i s t a n t c o a t a n d b o o t s

s e v e r a l l a y e r s o f l o o s e -

f i t t i n g c l o t h i n g

B e s u r e t h e o u t e r l a y e r o f y o u r c l o t h i n g i s t i g h t l y

w o v e n , p r e f e r a b l y w i n d r e s i s t a n t , t o r e d u c e b o d y - h e a t l o s s

c a u s e d b y w i n d . W o o l , s i l k , o r p o l y p r o p y l e n e i n n e r l a y e r s o f

c l o t h i n g w i l l h o l d m o r e b o d y h e a t t h a n c o t t o n . S t a y d r y

w e t c l o t h i n g c h i l l s t h e b o d y r a p i d l y . E x c e s s p e r s p i r a t i o n

w i l l i n c r e a s e h e a t l o s s , s o r e m o v e e x t r a l a y e r s o f c l o t h i n g

w h e n e v e r y o u f e e l t o o w a r m . A l s o , a v o i d g e t t i n g g a s o l i n e

o r a l c o h o l o n y o u r s k i n w h i l e d e - i c i n g a n d f u e l i n g y o u r c a r

o r u s i n g a s n o w b l o w e r . T h e s e m a t e r i a l s i n c o n t a c t w i t h t h e

s k i n g r e a t l y i n c r e a s e h e a t l o s s f r o m t h e b o d y . D o n o t i g n o r e

s h i v e r i n g . I t s a n i m p o r t a n t f i r s t s i g n t h a t t h e b o d y i s l o s i n g

h e a t . P e r s i s t e n t s h i v e r i n g i s a s i g n a l t o r e t u r n i n d o o r s .

77

Recognizing Heat ExhaustionWarning signs of heat exhaustion include the following:

The skin may be cool and moist. The victims pulse ratewill be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow.If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heatstroke. Seek medical attention immediately if any of thefollowing occurs:

Symptoms are severeThe victim has heart problems or high blood pressure

Otherwise, help the victim to cool off, and seek medicalattention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour.

What to DoCooling measures that may be effective include the following:

Cool, nonalcoholic beverages, asdirected by your physician

Rest Cool shower, bath,

or sponge bath An air-conditioned

environment Lightweight

clothing

Heat Cramps Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot duringstrenuous activity. This sweating depletes the bodys saltand moisture. The low salt level in the muscles causespainful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom ofheat exhaustion.

Recognizing Heat CrampsHeat cramps are muscle pains or spasmsusually in theabdomen, arms, or legsthat may occur in associationwith strenuous activity. If you have heart problems or areon a low-sodium diet, get medical attention for heat cramps.

Heavy sweating Paleness Muscle cramps Tiredness Weakness

Dizziness Headache Nausea or vomiting Fainting

A v o i d E x e r t i o n

C o l d w e a t h e r p u t s a n e x t r a s t r a i n o n t h e h e a r t . I f y o u h a v e

h e a r t d i s e a s e o r h i g h b l o o d p r e s s u r e , f o l l o w y o u r d o c t o r s

a d v i c e a b o u t s h o v e l i n g s n o w o r p e r f o r m i n g o t h e r h a r d

w o r k i n t h e c o l d . O t h e r w i s e , i f y o u h a v e t o d o h e a v y o u t -

d o o r c h o r e s , d r e s s w a r m l y a n d w o r k s l o w l y . R e m e m b e r ,

y o u r b o d y i s a l r e a d y w o r k i n g h a r d j u s t t o s t a y w a r m , s o

d o n t o v e r d o i t .

U n d e r s t a n d W i n d C h i l l

T h e W i n d C h i l l i n d e x i s t h e t e m p e r a t u r e y o u r b o d y f e e l s

w h e n t h e a i r t e m p e r a t u r e i s c o m b i n e d w i t h t h e w i n d s p e e d .

I t i s b a s e d o n t h e r a t e o f h e a t l o s s f r o m e x p o s e d s k i n c a u s e d

b y t h e e f f e c t s o f w i n d a n d c o l d . A s t h e s p e e d o f t h e w i n d

i n c r e a s e s , i t c a n c a r r y h e a t a w a y f r o m y o u r b o d y m u c h

m o r e q u i c k l y , c a u s i n g s k i n t e m p e r a t u r e t o d r o p . W h e n t h e r e

a r e h i g h w i n d s , s e r i o u s w e a t h e r - r e l a t e d h e a l t h p r o b l e m s a r e

m o r e l i k e l y , e v e n w h e n t e m p e r a t u r e s a r e o n l y c o o l .

T h e W i n d C h i l l C h a r t t o t h e r i g h t s h o w s t h e d i f f e r e n c e

b e t w e e n a c t u a l a i r t e m p e r a t u r e a n d p e r c e i v e d t e m p e r a t u r e ,

a n d a m o u n t o f t i m e u n t i l f r o s t b i t e o c c u r s .

N a t i o n a l W e a t h e r S e r v i c e ( N W S ) W i n d C h i l l C h a r t a d a p t e d M a y 2 0 0 4 f r o m

h t t p : / / w w w . n w s . n o a a . g o v / o m / w i n d c h i l l /

88

What to DoIf medical attention is not necessary, take these steps:

Stop all activity, and sit quietlyin a cool place.

Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.Do not return to strenuousactivity

for a few hours after the cramps subside, because further exertion may lead to heat exhaustionor heat stroke.

Seek medical attentionfor heat cramps if they do not subside in 1 hour.

SunburnSunburn should be avoided because it damages the skin.Although the discomfort is usually minor and healing oftenoccurs in about a week, a more severe sunburn may requiremedical attention.

Recognizing SunburnSymptoms of sunburn are well known: the skin becomesred, painful, and abnormally warm after sun exposure.

What to DoConsult a doctor if the sunburn affects an infant youngerthan 1 year of age or if these symptoms are present:

Fever Fluid-filled blisters Severe pain

Also, remember these tips when treating sunburn:

Avoid repeated sun exposure. Apply cold compresses or immerse

the sunburned area in cool water. Apply moisturizing lotion to

affected areas. Do not use salve, butter, or ointment.

Do not break blisters.

A v o i d I c e

W a l k i n g o n i c e i s e x t r e m e l y d a n g e r o u s . M a n y c o l d - w e a t h e r

i n j u r i e s r e s u l t f r o m f a l l s o n i c e - c o v e r e d s i d e w a l k s , s t e p s ,

d r i v e w a y s , a n d p o r c h e s . K e e p y o u r s t e p s a n d w a l k w a y s a s

f r e e o f i c e a s p o s s i b l e b y u s i n g r o c k s a l t o r a n o t h e r c h e m i c a l

d e - i c i n g c o m p o u n d . S a n d m a y a l s o b e u s e d o n w a l k w a y s t o

r e d u c e t h e r i s k o f s l i p p i n g .

B e S a f e D u r i n g R e c r e a t i o n

N o t i f y f r i e n d s a n d f a m i l y w h e r e y o u w i l l b e b e f o r e y o u g o

h i k i n g , c a m p i n g , o r s k i i n g . D o n o t l e a v e a r e a s o f t h e s k i n

e x p o s e d t o t h e c o l d . A v o i d p e r s p i r i n g o r b e c o m i n g o v e r -

t i r e d . B e p r e p a r e d t o t a k e e m e r g e n c y s h e l t e r . P a c k d r y

c l o t h i n g , a t w o - w a v e r a d i o , w a t e r p r o o f m a t c h e s a n d p a r a f f i n

f i r e s t a r t e r s w i t h y o u . D o n o t u s e a l c o h o l a n d o t h e r m o o d

a l t e r i n g s u b s t a n c e s , a n d a v o i d c a f f e i n a t e d b e v e r a g e s .

A v o i d w a l k i n g o n i c e o r g e t t i n g w e t . C a r e f u l l y w a t c h f o r

s i g n s o f c o l d - w e a t h e r h e a l t h p r o b l e m s .

B e C a u t i o u s A b o u t T r a v e l

L i s t e n f o r r a d i o o r t e l e v i s i o n r e p o r t s o f t r a v e l

a d v i s o r i e s i s s u e d b y t h e N a t i o n a l W e a t h e r S e r v i c e .

D o n o t t r a v e l i n l o w v i s i b i l i t y c o n d i t i o n s .

A v o i d t r a v e l i n g o n i c e - c o v e r e d r o a d s ,

o v e r p a s s e s , a n d b r i d g e s i f a t a l l p o s s i b l e .

I f y o u m u s t t r a v e l b y c a r , u s e t i r e c h a i n s

a n d t a k e a m o b i l e p h o n e w i t h y o u .

I f y o u m u s t t r a v e l , l e t s o m e o n e k n o w

y o u r d e s t i n a t i o n a n d w h e n y o u

e x p e c t t o a r r i v e . A s k t h e m t o n o t i f y

a u t h o r i t i e s i f y o u a r e l a t e .

C h e c k a n d r e s t o c k t h e w i n t e r e m e r g e n c y

s u p p l i e s i n y o u r c a r b e f o r e y o u l e a v e .

N e v e r p o u r w a t e r o n y o u r w i n d s h i e l d

t o r e m o v e i c e o r s n o w ; s h a t t e r i n g m a y o c c u r .

D o n t r e l y o n a c a r t o p r o v i d e s u f f i c i e n t

h e a t ; t h e c a r m a y b r e a k d o w n .

A l w a y s c a r r y a d d i t i o n a l w a r m c l o t h i n g

a p p r o p r i a t e f o r t h e w i n t e r c o n d i t i o n s .

99

Heat RashHeat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweatingduring hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but ismost common in young children.

Recognizing Heat RashHeat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters.It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in thegroin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases.

What to DoThe best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, lesshumid environment. Keep the affected area dry. Dustingpowder may be used to increase comfort, but avoid usingointments or creamsthey keep the skin warm and moistand may make the condition worse.

Treating heat rash is simple and usually does not requiremedical assistance. Other heat-related problems can bemuch more severe.

10

W h a t t o D o i f Y o u G e t S t r a n d e d

S t a y i n g i n y o u r v e h i c l e w h e n s t r a n d e d i s o f t e n t h e s a f e s t

c h o i c e i f w i n t e r s t o r m s c r e a t e p o o r v i s i b i l i t y o r i f r o a d w a y s

a r e i c e c o v e r e d . T h e s e s t e p s w i l l i n c r e a s e y o u r s a f e t y w h e n

s t r a n d e d :

T i e a b r i g h t l y c o l o r e d c l o t h t o t h e a n t e n n a

a s a s i g n a l t o r e s c u e r s a n d r a i s e t h e h o o d

o f t h e c a r ( i f i t i s n o t s n o w i n g ) .

M o v e a n y t h i n g y o u n e e d f r o m t h e t r u n k

i n t o t h e p a s s e n g e r a r e a .

W r a p y o u r e n t i r e b o d y , i n c l u d i n g y o u r

h e a d , i n e x t r a c l o t h i n g , b l a n k e t s , o r n e w s p a p e r s .

S t a y a w a k e . Y o u w i l l b e l e s s v u l n e r a b l e t o c o l d - r e l a t e d

h e a l t h p r o b l e m s .

R u n t h e m o t o r ( a n d h e a t e r ) f o r a b o u t 1 0 m i n u t e s p e r

h o u r , o p e n i n g o n e w i n d o w s l i g h t l y t o l e t i n a i r . M a k e

s u r e t h a t s n o w i s n o t b l o c k i n g t h e e x h a u s t p i p e t h i s

w i l l r e d u c e t h e r i s k o f c a r b o n m o n o x i d e p o i s o n i n g .

A s y o u s i t , k e e p m o v i n g y o u r a r m s a n d l e g s t o i m p r o v e

y o u r c i r c u l a t i o n a n d s t a y w a r m e r .

D o n o t e a t u n m e l t e d s n o w b e c a u s e i t

w i l l l o w e r y o u r b o d y t e m p e r a t u r e .

H u d d l e w i t h o t h e r p e o p l e

f o r w a r m t h .

C o l d - W e a t h e r

H e a l t h E m e r g e n c i e s

S e r i o u s h e a l t h p r o b l e m s c a n r e s u l t f r o m p r o l o n g e d

e x p o s u r e t o t h e c o l d . T h e m o s t c o m m o n c o l d - r e l a t e d

p r o b l e m s a r e h y p o t h e r m i a a n d f r o s t b i t e .

H y p o t h e r m i a

W h e n e x p o s e d t o c o l d t e m p e r a t u r e s , y o u r b o d y b e g i n s t o

l o s e h e a t f a s t e r t h a n i t c a n b e p r o d u c e d . P r o l o n g e d e x p o s u r e

t o c o l d w i l l e v e n t u a l l y u s e u p y o u r b o d y s s t o r e d e n e r g y .

T h e r e s u l t i s h y p o t h e r m i a , o r a b n o r m a l l y l o w b o d y t e m p e r -

a t u r e . B o d y t e m p e r a t u r e t h a t i s t o o l o w a f f e c t s t h e b r a i n ,

m a k i n g t h e v i c t i m u n a b l e t o t h i n k c l e a r l y o r m o v e w e l l .

T h i s m a k e s h y p o t h e r m i a p a r t i c u l a r l y d a n g e r o u s b e c a u s e a

p e r s o n m a y n o t k n o w i t i s h a p p e n i n g a n d w o n t b e a b l e t o

d o a n y t h i n g a b o u t i t .

H y p o t h e r m i a i s m o s t l i k e l y a t v e r y c o l d t e m p e r a t u r e s , b u t

i t c a n o c c u r e v e n a t c o o l t e m p e r a t u r e s ( a b o v e 4 0 F ) i f a

p e r s o n b e c o m e s c h i l l e d f r o m r a i n , s w e a t , o r

s u b m e r s i o n i n c o l d w a t e r .

1 0

One Last Hot Tip These self-help measures are not a substitute for medical care but may help youto recognize and respond promptly to warning signs of trouble. Your best defenseagainst heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changesin your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you toremain safe and healthy.

11

V i c t i m s o f h y p o t h e r m i a a r e o f t e n ( 1 ) e l d e r l y p e o p l e w i t h

i n a d e q u a t e f o o d , c l o t h i n g , o r h e a t i n g ; ( 2 ) b a b i e s s l e e p i n g i n

c o l d b e d r o o m s ; ( 3 ) p e o p l e w h o r e m a i n o u t d o o r s f o r l o n g

p e r i o d s t h e h o m e l e s s , h i k e r s , h u n t e r s , e t c . ; a n d ( 4 ) p e o p l e

w h o d r i n k a l c o h o l o r u s e i l l i c i t d r u g s .

R e c o g n i z i n g H y p o t h e r m i a

W a r n i n g s s i g n s o f h y p o t h e r m i a :

W h a t t o D o

I f y o u n o t i c e a n y o f t h e s e s i g n s , t a k e t h e

p e r s o n s t e m p e r a t u r e . I f i t i s b e l o w 9 5 ,

t h e s i t u a t i o n i s a n e m e r g e n c y g e t

m e d i c a l a t t e n t i o n i m m e d i a t e l y .

I f m e d i c a l c a r e i s n o t a v a i l a b l e , b e g i n w a r m i n g t h e

p e r s o n , a s f o l l o w s :

G e t t h e v i c t i m i n t o a w a r m r o o m o r s h e l t e r .

I f t h e v i c t i m h a s o n a n y w e t c l o t h i n g , r e m o v e i t .

W a r m t h e c e n t e r o f t h e b o d y f i r s t c h e s t , n e c k , h e a d ,

a n d g r o i n u s i n g a n e l e c t r i c b l a n k e t , i f a v a i l a b l e . O r

u s e s k i n - t o - s k i n c o n t a c t u n d e r l o o s e , d r y l a y e r s o f

b l a n k e t s , c l o t h i n g , t o w e l s , o r s h e e t s .

W a r m b e v e r a g e s c a n h e l p i n c r e a s e t h e b o d y t e m p e r a t u r e ,

b u t d o n o t g i v e a l c o h o l i c b e v e r a g e s . D o n o t t r y t o g i v e

b e v e r a g e s t o a n u n c o n s c i o u s p e r s o n .

A f t e r b o d y t e m p e r a t u r e h a s i n c r e a s e d , k e e p

t h e p e r s o n d r y a n d w r a p p e d i n a w a r m

b l a n k e t , i n c l u d i n g t h e h e a d a n d n e c k .

G e t m e d i c a l a t t e n t i o n a s s o o n a s p o s s i b l e .

A p e r s o n w i t h s e v e r e h y p o t h e r m i a m a y b e u n c o n s c i o u s a n d

m a y n o t s e e m t o h a v e a p u l s e o r t o b e b r e a t h i n g . I n t h i s

c a s e , h a n d l e t h e v i c t i m g e n t l y , a n d g e t e m e r g e n c y a s s i s t a n c e

i m m e d i a t e l y . E v e n i f t h e v i c t i m a p p e a r s d e a d , C P R s h o u l d

b e p r o v i d e d . C P R s h o u l d c o n t i n u e w h i l e t h e v i c t i m i s b e i n g

w a r m e d , u n t i l t h e v i c t i m r e s p o n d s o r m e d i c a l a i d b e c o m e s

a v a i l a b l e . I n s o m e c a s e s , h y p o t h e r m i a v i c t i m s w h o a p p e a r

t o b e d e a d c a n b e s u c c e s s f u l l y r e s u s c i t a t e d .

A d u l t s :

s h i v e r i n g , e x h a u s t i o n

c o n f u s i o n , f u m b l i n g h a n d s

m e m o r y l o s s , s l u r r e d s p e e c h

d r o w s i n e s s

I n f a n t s :

b r i g h t r e d , c o l d s k i n

v e r y l o w e n e r g y

1 1

F r o s t b i t e

F r o s t b i t e i s a n i n j u r y t o t h e b o d y t h a t i s c a u s e d b y f r e e z i n g .

F r o s t b i t e c a u s e s a l o s s o f f e e l i n g a n d c o l o r i n a f f e c t e d a r e a s .

I t m o s t o f t e n a f f e c t s t h e n o s e , e a r s , c h e e k s , c h i n , f i n g e r s , o r

t o e s . F r o s t b i t e c a n p e r m a n e n t l y d a m a g e t h e b o d y , a n d

s e v e r e c a s e s c a n l e a d t o a m p u t a t i o n . T h e r i s k o f f r o s t b i t e i s

i n c r e a s e d i n p e o p l e w i t h r e d u c e d b l o o d c i r c u l a t i o n a n d

a m o n g p e o p l e w h o a r e n o t d r e s s e d p r o p e r l y f o r e x t r e m e l y

c o l d t e m p e r a t u r e s .

R e c o g n i z i n g F r o s t b i t e

A t t h e f i r s t s i g n s o f r e d n e s s o r p a i n i n a n y s k i n a r e a , g e t o u t

o f t h e c o l d o r p r o t e c t a n y e x p o s e d s k i n f r o s t b i t e m a y b e

b e g i n n i n g . A n y o f t h e f o l l o w i n g s i g n s m a y i n d i c a t e f r o s t b i t e :

a w h i t e o r g r a y i s h - y e l l o w s k i n a r e a

s k i n t h a t f e e l s u n u s u a l l y f i r m o r w a x y

n u m b n e s s

A v i c t i m i s o f t e n u n a w a r e o f f r o s t b i t e u n t i l s o m e o n e e l s e

p o i n t s i t o u t b e c a u s e t h e f r o z e n t i s s u e s a r e n u m b .

W h a t t o D o

I f y o u d e t e c t s y m p t o m s o f f r o s t b i t e , s e e k m e d i c a l c a r e .

B e c a u s e f r o s t b i t e a n d h y p o t h e r m i a b o t h r e s u l t f r o m e x p o s u r e ,

f i r s t d e t e r m i n e w h e t h e r t h e v i c t i m a l s o s h o w s s i g n s o f

h y p o t h e r m i a , a s d e s c r i b e d p r e v i o u s l y . H y p o t h e r m i a i s a

m o r e s e r i o u s m e d i c a l c o n d i t i o n a n d r e q u i r e s e m e r g e n c y

m e d i c a l a s s i s t a n c e .

I f ( 1 ) t h e r e i s f r o s t b i t e b u t n o s i g n o f h y p o t h e r m i a a n d ( 2 )

i m m e d i a t e m e d i c a l c a r e i s n o t a v a i l a b l e , p r o c e e d a s f o l l o w s :

G e t i n t o a w a r m r o o m a s s o o n a s p o s s i b l e .

U n l e s s a b s o l u t e l y n e c e s s a r y , d o n o t w a l k o n f r o s t b i t t e n

f e e t o r t o e s t h i s i n c r e a s e s t h e d a m a g e .

I m m e r s e t h e a f f e c t e d a r e a i n w a r m n o t h o t w a t e r

( t h e t e m p e r a t u r e s h o u l d b e c o m f o r t a b l e t o t h e t o u c h

f o r u n a f f e c t e d p a r t s o f t h e b o d y ) .

O r , w a r m t h e a f f e c t e d a r e a u s i n g b o d y

h e a t . F o r e x a m p l e , t h e h e a t o f a n a r m p i t

c a n b e u s e d t o w a r m f r o s t b i t t e n f i n g e r s .

D o n o t r u b t h e f r o s t b i t t e n a r e a w i t h s n o w o r

m a s s a g e i t a t a l l . T h i s c a n c a u s e m o r e d a m a g e .

D o n t u s e a h e a t i n g p a d , h e a t l a m p , o r t h e h e a t o f

a s t o v e , f i r e p l a c e , o r r a d i a t o r f o r w a r m i n g .

A f f e c t e d a r e a s a r e n u m b a n d c a n b e e a s i l y b u r n e d .

T h e s e p r o c e d u r e s a r e n o t s u b s t i t u t e s f o r p r o p e r m e d i c a l

c a r e . H y p o t h e r m i a i s a m e d i c a l e m e r g e n c y a n d f r o s t b i t e

s h o u l d b e e v a l u a t e d b y a h e a l t h c a r e p r o v i d e r . I t i s a g o o d

i d e a t o t a k e a f i r s t a i d a n d e m e r g e n c y r e s u s c i t a t i o n ( C P R )

c o u r s e t o p r e p a r e f o r c o l d - w e a t h e r h e a l t h p r o b l e m s .

K n o w i n g w h a t t o d o i s a n i m p o r t a n t p a r t o f p r o t e c t i n g y o u r

h e a l t h a n d t h e h e a l t h o f o t h e r s .

O n e L a s t C o o l T i p . . .

T a k i n g p r e v e n t i v e a c t i o n i s y o u r b e s t d e f e n s e a g a i n s t h a v i n g t o d e a l w i t h e x t r e m e

c o l d - w e a t h e r c o n d i t i o n s . B y p r e p a r i n g y o u r h o m e a n d c a r i n a d v a n c e f o r w i n t e r

e m e r g e n c i e s , a n d b y o b s e r v i n g s a f e t y p r e c a u t i o n s d u r i n g t i m e s o f e x t r e m e l y c o l d

w e a t h e r , y o u c a n r e d u c e t h e r i s k o f w e a t h e r - r e l a t e d h e a l t h p r o b l e m s .

1 2 1 3

F r o s t b i t e

F r o s t b i t e i s a n i n j u r y t o t h e b o d y t h a t i s c a u s e d b y f r e e z i n g .

F r o s t b i t e c a u s e s a l o s s o f f e e l i n g a n d c o l o r i n a f f e c t e d a r e a s .

I t m o s t o f t e n a f f e c t s t h e n o s e , e a r s , c h e e k s , c h i n , f i n g e r s , o r

t o e s . F r o s t b i t e c a n p e r m a n e n t l y d a m a g e t h e b o d y , a n d

s e v e r e c a s e s c a n l e a d t o a m p u t a t i o n . T h e r i s k o f f r o s t b i t e i s

i n c r e a s e d i n p e o p l e w i t h r e d u c e d b l o o d c i r c u l a t i o n a n d

a m o n g p e o p l e w h o a r e n o t d r e s s e d p r o p e r l y f o r e x t r e m e l y

c o l d t e m p e r a t u r e s .

R e c o g n i z i n g F r o s t b i t e

A t t h e f i r s t s i g n s o f r e d n e s s o r p a i n i n a n y s k i n a r e a , g e t o u t

o f t h e c o l d o r p r o t e c t a n y e x p o s e d s k i n f r o s t b i t e m a y b e

b e g i n n i n g . A n y o f t h e f o l l o w i n g s i g n s m a y i n d i c a t e f r o s t b i t e :

a w h i t e o r g r a y i s h - y e l l o w s k i n a r e a

s k i n t h a t f e e l s u n u s u a l l y f i r m o r w a x y

n u m b n e s s

A v i c t i m i s o f t e n u n a w a r e o f f r o s t b i t e u n t i l s o m e o n e e l s e

p o i n t s i t o u t b e c a u s e t h e f r o z e n t i s s u e s a r e n u m b .

W h a t t o D o

I f y o u d e t e c t s y m p t o m s o f f r o s t b i t e , s e e k m e d i c a l c a r e .

B e c a u s e f r o s t b i t e a n d h y p o t h e r m i a b o t h r e s u l t f r o m e x p o s u r e ,

f i r s t d e t e r m i n e w h e t h e r t h e v i c t i m a l s o s h o w s s i g n s o f

h y p o t h e r m i a , a s d e s c r i b e d p r e v i o u s l y . H y p o t h e r m i a i s a

m o r e s e r i o u s m e d i c a l c o n d i t i o n a n d r e q u i r e s e m e r g e n c y

m e d i c a l a s s i s t a n c e .

I f ( 1 ) t h e r e i s f r o s t b i t e b u t n o s i g n o f h y p o t h e r m i a a n d ( 2 )

i m m e d i a t e m e d i c a l c a r e i s n o t a v a i l a b l e , p r o c e e d a s f o l l o w s :

G e t i n t o a w a r m r o o m a s s o o n a s p o s s i b l e .

U n l e s s a b s o l u t e l y n e c e s s a r y , d o n o t w a l k o n f r o s t b i t t e n

f e e t o r t o e s t h i s i n c r e a s e s t h e d a m a g e .

I m m e r s e t h e a f f e c t e d a r e a i n w a r m n o t h o t w a t e r

( t h e t e m p e r a t u r e s h o u l d b e c o m f o r t a b l e t o t h e t o u c h

f o r u n a f f e c t e d p a r t s o f t h e b o d y ) .

O r , w a r m t h e a f f e c t e d a r e a u s i n g b o d y

h e a t . F o r e x a m p l e , t h e h e a t o f a n a r m p i t

c a n b e u s e d t o w a r m f r o s t b i t t e n f i n g e r s .

D o n o t r u b t h e f r o s t b i t t e n a r e a w i t h s n o w o r

m a s s a g e i t a t a l l . T h i s c a n c a u s e m o r e d a m a g e .

D o n t u s e a h e a t i n g p a d , h e a t l a m p , o r t h e h e a t o f

a s t o v e , f i r e p l a c e , o r r a d i a t o r f o r w a r m i n g .

A f f e c t e d a r e a s a r e n u m b a n d c a n b e e a s i l y b u r n e d .

T h e s e p r o c e d u r e s a r e n o t s u b s t i t u t e s f o r p r o p e r m e d i c a l

c a r e . H y p o t h e r m i a i s a m e d i c a l e m e r g e n c y a n d f r o s t b i t e

s h o u l d b e e v a l u a t e d b y a h e a l t h c a r e p r o v i d e r . I t i s a g o o d

i d e a t o t a k e a f i r s t a i d a n d e m e r g e n c y r e s u s c i t a t i o n ( C P R )

c o u r s e t o p r e p a r e f o r c o l d - w e a t h e r h e a l t h p r o b l e m s .

K n o w i n g w h a t t o d o i s a n i m p o r t a n t p a r t o f p r o t e c t i n g y o u r

h e a l t h a n d t h e h e a l t h o f o t h e r s .

O n e L a s t C o o l T i p . . .

T a k i n g p r e v e n t i v e a c t i o n i s y o u r b e s t d e f e n s e a g a i n s t h a v i n g t o d e a l w i t h e x t r e m e

c o l d - w e a t h e r c o n d i t i o n s . B y p r e p a r i n g y o u r h o m e a n d c a r i n a d v a n c e f o r w i n t e r

e m e r g e n c i e s , a n d b y o b s e r v i n g s a f e t y p r e c a u t i o n s d u r i n g t i m e s o f e x t r e m e l y c o l d

w e a t h e r , y o u c a n r e d u c e t h e r i s k o f w e a t h e r - r e l a t e d h e a l t h p r o b l e m s .

1 2 1 3