KDHE Home - News 1999 - News Release

Kansas
Department of Health & Environment
Bill Graves, Governor
Clyde D. Graeber, Secretary

December 10, 1999

Contact: Sharon Watson, 785-296-1529

Cold Weather Safety

With winter approaching, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is offering some helpful hints on ways to protect your family from the effects of colder weather.

To reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure that your furnace is operating properly, and install carbon monoxide detectors on every floor of the home. Always open the garage door before 'warming up' a vehicle inside.

Make sure fireplace chimneys are clean and clear of obstructions. Make sure the flue is open before lighting, or else smoke will accumulate very rapidly. Close fireplace doors or metal curtains completely, and keep flammable objects away. Do not leave fireplaces unattended with a fire burning, and do not allow children to play near the fireplace. Do not burn charcoal indoors for warmth or cooking.

If using a space heater, always follow manufacturers' recommendations and never leave the unit on overnight or while adult family members are away from home. Never position the heater on or near carpeting, drapes, upholstery, or piles of clothing or paper.

If you are over age 45, exercise caution while shoveling snow. The specific kind of cardiopulmonary strain associated with snow shoveling can place you at risk for a heart attack. Dress warmly, and breathe through a scarf or mask to keep the air entering your lungs warm. Eat plenty of hot food beforehand. Take frequent breaks, shovel light loads, and work at a moderate pace.

Those with a history of heart illness should not shovel snow.

Hypothermia, also called "freezing to death," or "exposure," is a serious threat if you aren't prepared. Any combination of cold, wetness, wind and fatigue may produce hypothermia. Cold need not be extreme (most cases occur between 30F and 50F) and wetness can be from one's own perspiration.

To prevent onset of hypothermia, KDHE recommends dressing in layers for maximum protection. Include some wool garments if possible, because wool provides warmth even while wet. Make sure outer garments are resistant to wind and water. Wear a hat - it can prevent the loss of up to half the body's heat production. Finally, get adequate rest and eat plenty of food before venturing out. You can tell if a person is suffering the effects of hypothermia if they show any of the following signs: slowing of pace, poor coordination, stumbling, slurred speech, irrationality and poor judgment, amnesia, hallucinations, blueness or puffiness of the skin, dilation of the pupils, decreased respiratory rate, weak or irregular pulse, and stupor.

If someone shows these signs, get them indoors as soon as possible. Replace wet clothing with dry, and do everything you can to keep the person warm. Feed the victim candy or sweets if they are able to eat. Contrary to popular myth, alcohol should never be given to someone suffering from hypothermia. Seek professional medical attention immediately if the victim has trouble maintaining consciousness.

Note that placing the victim by themselves in a bed or sleeping bag will not warm them, since their body has already lost most of its heat and cannot generate further heat. Instead, place the victim in the bed or bag with one or two other people. Skin to skin contact is the most efficient method of heat transfer.

Make sure vehicle tires are up to the task of winter travel. Be sure to have emergency supplies on board for long trips, such as a flashlight, blankets, matches, food and water, etc.

When driving, turn headlights on and allow plenty of extra stopping distance in ice or snow. If stopping suddenly, apply constant pressure to the brake pedal if your vehicle has anti-lock brakes (ABS). Pump the pedal repeatedly if the vehicle is equipped with standard brakes. Always wear safety belts and use child safety seats properly, regardless of weather.

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