Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Control Disease for Centers U.S. Department of Health And Human Services Human And Health of Department U.S.
U.S. Department of Health And Human Services Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/
1-888-232-6789; [email protected] 1-888-232-6789;
4700 Buford Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717 GA Atlanta, Hwy, Buford 4700
National Center for Environmental Health, MS F52 MS Health, Environmental for Center National
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Control Disease for Centers
or more information on cold weather conditions and health, please contact: please health, and conditions weather cold on information more or F
For more information on hot weather conditions and health, please contact:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Center for Environmental Health, MS F52 4700 Buford Hwy, Atlanta, GA 30341-3717 1-888-232-6789; [email protected] http://www.bt.cdc.gov/disasters/extremeheat/
1
and what to do if a cold-weather health emergency arises. arises. emergency health cold-weather a if do to what and
should know how to prevent cold-related health problems health cold-related prevent to how know should
that is poorly insulated or without heat. without or insulated poorly is that
can be affected. To keep yourself and your family safe, you safe, family your and yourself keep To affected. be can
without shelter or who are stranded, or who live in a home a in live who or stranded, are who or shelter without
Infants and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone but risk, at particularly are elderly the and Infants
health emergencies in susceptible people, such as those as such people, susceptible in emergencies health
can cause other serious or life-threatening health problems. health life-threatening or serious other cause can eat-related deaths and illness are include age, obesity, fever, dehydration, heart disease, mental
Extreme cold is a dangerous situation that can bring on bring can that situation dangerous a is cold Extreme
Exposure to cold temperatures, whether indoors or outside, or indoors whether temperatures, cold to Exposure preventable yet annually many people illness, poor circulation, sunburn, and prescription drug and
related conditions may lead to serious health problems. health serious to lead may conditions related succumb to extreme heat. Historically, alcohol use.
monoxide poisoning. poisoning. monoxide
heat can leave your body more rapidly. These weather- These rapidly. more body your leave can heat from 1979 to 1999, excessive heat
household fires increases, as well as the risk of carbon of risk the as well as increases, fires household
drop decidedly below normal and as wind speed increases, speed wind as and normal below decidedly drop Because heat-related deaths are preventable, people need to
exposure caused 8,015 deaths in the
use space heaters and fireplaces to stay warm, the risk of risk the warm, stay to fireplaces and heaters space use
are considered “extreme cold.” Whenever temperatures Whenever cold.” “extreme considered are be aware of who is at greatest risk and what actions can be
United States. During this period,
system isn’t adequate for the weather. When people must people When weather. the for adequate isn’t system
unaccustomed to winter weather, near freezing temperatures freezing near weather, winter to unaccustomed taken to prevent a heat-related illness or death. The elderly,
more people in this country died from extreme heat than
cold—either due to a power failure or because the heating the because or failure power a to due cold—either
across different areas of the country. In regions relatively regions In country. the of areas different across the very young, and people with mental illness and chronic
from hurricanes, lightning, tornadoes, floods, and earth-
may also face indoor hazards. Many homes will be too be will homes Many hazards. indoor face also may What constitutes extreme cold and its effects can vary can effects its and cold extreme constitutes What diseases are at highest risk. However, even young and
quakes combined. In 2001, 300 deaths were caused by What Is Extreme Cold? Cold? Extreme Is What
help reduce the risk of car crashes and falls on the ice, you ice, the on falls and crashes car of risk the reduce help healthy individuals can succumb to heat if they participate
excessive heat exposure.
c od.Atog tyn nor smc spsil can possible as much as indoors staying Although roads. icy in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.
may have to cope with power failures and failures power with cope to have may People suffer heat-related illness when their bodies are Air-conditioning is the number one protective factor
and what to do until help becomes available. available. becomes help until do to what and often accompany a winter storm, so you so storm, winter a accompany often unable to compensate and properly cool themselves. The against heat-related illness and death. If a home is not
you to know when to seek medical care medical seek to when know to you lenge. Extremely cold temperatures cold Extremely lenge. body normally cools itself by sweating. But under some air-conditioned, people can reduce their risk for heat-related
aid. However, these procedures will help will procedures these However, aid. arm and safe can become a chal- a become can safe and arm w conditions, sweating just isn’t enough. In such cases, a illness by spending time in public facilities that are
are not a substitute for for substitute a not are training in first in training significantly below normal, staying normal, below significantly person’s body temperature rises rapidly. Very high body air-conditioned.
The emergency procedures outlined here outlined procedures emergency The hen winter temperatures drop drop temperatures winter hen temperatures may damage the brain or other vital organs. Summertime activity, whether on the playing field or the Several factors affect the body’s ability to cool itself during construction site, must be balanced with measures that aid extremely hot weather. When the humidity is high, sweat the body’s cooling mechanisms and prevent heat-related will not evaporate as quickly, preventing the body from illness. This pamphlet tells how you can prevent, recognize, releasing heat quickly. Other conditions related to risk and cope with heat-related health problems. 1 2 During Hot Weather
To protect your health when temperatures are extremely
high, remember to keep cool and use common sense. The medicine. and water, food, of amounts additional
medications, etc.) medications,
following tips are important: stock isolated, is home your if or temperatures,
hearing aid batteries, aid hearing If your area is prone to long periods of cold cold of periods long to prone is area your If
special needs items (diapers, items needs special ¥
that any family member may need. may member family any that Medicines ¥
rock salt salt rock Drink Plenty of Fluids ¥
your water pipes freeze and rupture. rupture. and freeze pipes water your
snow shovel shovel snow During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid ¥
bottled water (5 gallons per person) in case in person) per gallons (5 water bottled
non-electric can opener opener can non-electric intake, regardless of your activity level. Don’t wait until ¥
stored in clean containers, or purchased or containers, clean in stored ater W ¥
xtra batteries batteries xtra you’re thirsty to drink. During heavy exercise ¥e
formula if you have young children. children. young have you if formula
battery-powered clock or watch watch or clock battery-powered in a hot environment, drink two to four ¥
and dried fruits. Remember baby food and and food baby Remember fruits. dried and
battery-powered radio radio battery-powered glasses (16Ð32 ounces) of cool fluids ¥
such as bread, crackers, cereal, canned foods, canned cereal, crackers, bread, as such
flashlight or battery-powered lantern lantern battery-powered or flashlight each hour. ¥
that needs no cooking or refrigeration, or cooking no needs that ood F ¥
irst aid kit and instruction manual manual instruction and kit aid irst
What Is Extreme Heat? Warning: If your doctor generally limits ¥f
multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher extinguisher fire dry-chemical multipurpose, ¥ eep several days’ supply of these items: these of supply days’ several eep
Temperatures that hover 10 degrees or more above the K
the amount of fluid you drink or has you
matches matches ¥ nter Survival Kit for Your Home Home Your for Kit Survival nter average high temperature for the region and last for several Wi
on water pills, ask how much you should
blankets blankets weeks are defined as extreme heat. Humid or muggy ¥
drink while the weather is hot.
conditions, which add to the discomfort of high tempera- elements non-glowing and switch shut-off
electric space heater with automatic automatic with heater space electric tures, occur when a “dome” of high atmospheric pressure Don’t drink liquids that contain caffeine, ¥
furnace fuel (coal, propane, or oil) oil) or propane, (coal, fuel furnace traps hazy, damp air near the ground. Excessively dry and alcohol, or large amounts of sugar— ¥ for greater wintertime safety in your home and in your car. car. your in and home your in safety wintertime greater for
hot conditions can provoke dust storms and low visibility. these actually cause you to lose heater kerosene a for kerosene - always a possibility. There are steps you can take in advance in take can you steps are There possibility. a always
Droughts occur when a long period passes without substantial more body fluid. Also avoid very or stove, wood or fireplace a for firewood dry - Prepare for extremely cold weather every winter—it’s every weather cold extremely for Prepare
an alternate way to heat your home during a power failure: power a during home your heat to way alternate an ¥ rainfall. A heat wave combined with a drought is a very cold drinks, because they can Ahead Plan dangerous situation. cause stomach cramps. List: Supplies Emergency
2 3
sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher (the most during the winter months. winter the during Replace Salt and Minerals
effective products say “broad spectrum” check the temperature of your home often home your of temperature the check Heavy sweating removes salt and minerals from the body.
or “UVA/UVB protection” on their location where you will see it frequently, and frequently, it see will you where location These are necessary for your body and must be replaced. If
labels) 30 minutes prior to going out. place an easy-to-read thermometer in an indoor an in thermometer easy-to-read an place you must exercise, drink two to four glasses of cool, non-
Continue to reapply it according to the problems caused by cold. If you are over 65 years old, years 65 over are you If cold. by caused problems alcoholic fluids each hour. A sports beverage can replace
package directions. age, and older people are more susceptible to health health to susceptible more are people older and age, the salt and minerals you lose in sweat. However, if you are
our ability to feel a change in temperature decreases with decreases temperature in change a feel to ability our Y on a low-salt diet, talk with your doctor before drinking a
sports beverage or taking salt tablets. Schedule Outdoor them monthly, and replace batteries twice yearly. yearly. twice batteries replace and monthly, them
carbon monoxide detector near the area to be heated. Test heated. be to area the near detector monoxide carbon Activities Carefully
heater, install a smoke detector and a battery-operated battery-operated a and detector smoke a install heater, Wear Appropriate Clothing If you must be outdoors, try to limit Also, if you’ll be using a fireplace, wood stove, or kerosene or stove, wood fireplace, a using be you’ll if Also, and Sunscreen your outdoor activity to morning
Wear as little clothing as possible when you are at home. and evening hours. Try to rest
under “chimney cleaning.” “chimney under Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. often in shady areas so that your
or find one in the yellow pages of your telephone directory telephone your of pages yellow the in one find or Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself and causes body’s thermostat will have a chance to recover.
Ask your local fire department to recommend an inspector, an recommend to department fire local your Ask a loss of body fluids. It also causes pain and damages the
heating, have your chimney or flue inspected each year. each inspected flue or chimney your have heating,
and make sure that they have access to unfrozen water. unfrozen to access have they that sure make and skin. If you must go outdoors, Pace Yourself
If you plan to use a fireplace or wood stove for emergency for stove wood or fireplace a use to plan you If
them inside, provide adequate shelter to keep them warm them keep to shelter adequate provide inside, them protect yourself from the If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot
If you have pets, bring them indoors. If you cannot bring cannot you If indoors. them bring pets, have you If
whenever a period of extreme cold is predicted. predicted. is cold extreme of period a whenever sun by wearing a environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually. If
forecasts regularly, and check your emergency supplies emergency your check and regularly, forecasts wide-brimmed or thermal-pane windows. thermal-pane or exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you
you with several days’ notice. Listen to weather weather to Listen notice. days’ several with you hat (also keeps stripping, insulation, insulated doors and storm windows, storm and doors insulated insulation, stripping, gasping for breath, STOP all activity. Get into a cool area
ar in advance, weather advance, in ar f
forecasts can sometimes provide sometimes can forecasts you cooler) along possible, weatherproof your home by adding weather- adding by home your weatherproof possible, or at least into the shade, and rest, especially if you become
Although periods of extreme cold cannot always be predicted be always cannot cold extreme of periods Although with sunglasses, your water supply will be less likely to freeze. To the extent the To freeze. to likely less be will supply water your lightheaded, confused, weak, or faint.
Prepare Your Home for Winter for Home Your Prepare and by putting on Insulate any water lines that run along exterior walls so walls exterior along run that lines water any Insulate
3 4
Stay Cool Indoors Monitor Those at High Risk Stay indoors and, if at all possible, stay in an air-conditioned Although any one at any time can suffer from heat-related
place. If your home does not have air conditioning, go to illness, some people are at greater risk than others.
the shopping mall or public library—even a few hours ¥Infants and children up to four years of age are traction) added for
brightly colored cloth cloth colored brightly ¥ o pour on ice or snow or ice on pour o spent in air conditioning can help your body stay cooler sensitive to the effects of high temperatures and rely on (t
emergency tire repair) repair) tire emergency bag of sand or cat litter cat or sand of bag when you go back into the heat. Call your local health others to regulate their environments and provide ¥
air with sealant (for sealant with air paper towels towels paper department to see if there are any heat-relief shelters in adequate liquids. ¥
canned compressed compressed canned ¥ tool kit kit tool your area. Electric fans may provide comfort, but when the ¥ People 65 years of age or older may not compensate for ¥
batteries batteries compass compass
temperature is in the high 90s, fans will not prevent heat- heat stress efficiently and are less likely to sense and ¥
and fuel lines. fuel and
flashlight and extra extra and flashlight ¥ mobile phone mobile
related illness. Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to respond to change in temperature. ¥
full to help avoid ice in the tank the in ice avoid help to full
and a can opener opener can a and road maps maps road
an air-conditioned place is a much better way to cool off. ¥ People who are overweight may be prone to heat sickness ¥
During winter, keep the gas tank near tank gas the keep winter, During
canned or dried foods dried or canned booster cables cables booster
Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature because of their tendency to retain more body heat. ¥
and high-calorie and windshield scraper scraper windshield in your home. ¥ ¥People who overexert during work or exercise may tires. the in pressure air
container of water water of container ¥ snow for water) water) for snow
Replace any worn tires, and check the check and tires, worn any Replace become dehydrated and susceptible to heat sickness. ¥
collapsible shovel shovel collapsible ¥ matches (to melt melt (to matches
Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture. wintertime a with fluid windshield-wiper Replace
Use a Buddy System ¥ People who are physically ill, especially with heart ¥
with heavy snow) snow) heavy with can and waterproof and can ¥a
When working in the heat, monitor the condition of your disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain needed. as antifreeze, Add
tire chains (in areas (in chains tire ¥ irst aid kit kit aid irst ¥f
co-workers and have someone do the same for you. Heat- medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor tester. antifreeze an with yourself level antifreeze
rope ow ¥t blankets blankets ¥
e the radiator system serviced, or check the check or serviced, system radiator the e av induced illness can cause a person to become confused or circulation, may be affected by extreme heat. ¥H
lose consciousness. If you are 65 years of age or older, have items: these with car your Equip ery fall: fall: ery
Visit adults at risk at least twice a day and closely watch ev
nter Survival Kit for Your Car Car Your for Kit Survival nter a friend or relative call to check on you twice a day during Wi them for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Infants and addition, In recommends. manufacturer the as often as
a heat wave. If you know someone in this age group, check
young children, of course, need much more frequent watching. vehicle your on service maintenance Have ahead. planning
on them at least twice a day. ou can avoid many dangerous winter travel problems by problems travel winter dangerous many avoid can ou Y Prepare Your Car for Winter for Car Your Prepare
4
5
Do not store gasoline indoors where the fumes could ignite. could fumes the where indoors gasoline store not Do ¥
oid using extension cords to plug in your space heater. space your in plug to cords extension using oid v ¥A Adjust to the Environment
because of the risk of electrocution. electrocution. of risk the of because
tripping hazard but do not run the cord under carpets or rugs. or carpets under cord the run not do but hazard tripping Be aware that any sudden change in temperature, such as an
Do not use the generator or appliances if they are wet are they if appliances or generator the use not Do ¥
Make sure that the cord of an electric space heater is not a not is heater space electric an of cord the that sure Make ¥ early summer heat wave, will be stressful to your body. You
heavy-duty, outdoor-rated cords. cords. outdoor-rated heavy-duty,
er leave children unattended near a space heater. space a near unattended children leave er ev ¥N will have a greater tolerance for heat if you limit your
Plug in appliances to the generator using individual using generator the to appliances in Plug ¥
er place a space heater on top of furniture or near water. near or furniture of top on heater space a place er ev ¥N physical activity until you become accustomed to the heat.
house because of the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning: poisoning: monoxide carbon of risk the of because house and never cover your space heater. space your cover never and If you travel to a hotter climate, allow several days to
inside the garage, or near the air intake of your of intake air the near or garage, the inside may catch on fire, such as drapes, furniture, or bedding, or furniture, drapes, as such fire, on catch may become acclimated before attempting any vigorous
Never use an electric generator indoors, generator electric an use Never Do not place a space heater within 3 feet of anything that anything of feet 3 within heater space a place not Do ¥ exercise, and work up to it gradually.
don’t substitute. don’t
the fumes are deadly. are fumes the
Use only the type of fuel your heater is designed to use— to designed is heater your fuel of type the only Use
¥ Use Common Sense
er use a charcoal or gas grill indoors— grill gas or charcoal a use er ev ¥N
erosene heater. erosene
k Remember to keep cool and use common sense: er leave lit candles unattended. unattended. candles lit leave er ev ¥N
Ensure adequate ventilation if you must use a a use must you if ventilation adequate Ensure
¥ ¥Avoid hot foods and heavy meals— lanterns rather than candles, if possible. possible. if candles, than rather lanterns
Do not burn paper in a fireplace. a in paper burn not Do
¥ they add heat to your body. Use battery-powered flashlights or flashlights battery-powered Use ¥
leak flue gas into the indoor air space. air indoor the into gas flue leak ¥ Drink plenty of fluids and replace salts
If there is a power failure: power a is there If
only if they are properly vented to the outside and do not do and outside the to vented properly are they if only and minerals in your body.
Light and Cook Safely Cook and Light
Use fireplace, wood stoves, or other combustion heaters combustion other or stoves, wood fireplace, Use
¥ ¥ Dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and
these safety tips: tips: safety these shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella. generators, grills, camp stoves, or similar devices indoors. devices similar or stoves, camp grills, generators,
as well as the home safety measures on page 3, and remember and 3, page on measures safety home the as well as ¥ Limit sun exposure during mid-day hours and in places installing a battery-operated CO detector and never using never and detector CO battery-operated a installing
be extremely careful. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions manufacturer’s the Follow careful. extremely be of potential severe exposure such as beaches. rtc oreffo abnmnxd C)pioigby poisoning (CO) monoxide carbon from yourself Protect ¥
If you plan to use a wood stove, fireplace, or space heater, space or fireplace, stove, wood a use to plan you If ¥ Do not leave infants, children, or pets in a parked car. the area to be heated. heated. be to area the
Heat Your Home Safely Home Your Heat ¥ Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets, and leave Store a multipurpose, dry-chemical fire extinguisher near extinguisher fire dry-chemical multipurpose, a Store
¥ the water in a shady area. produces sparks, do not use it. it. use not do sparks, produces Indoor Safety Indoor
If your space heater has a damaged electrical cord or or cord electrical damaged a has heater space your If ¥
5
6
metabolism and less physical activity. If you are over 65 over are you If activity. physical less and metabolism
Heat Stroke rolling a to water Bringing water. for melted be can snow
Older adults often make less body heat because of a slower a of because heat body less make often adults Older
Heat stroke occurs when the body is unable to regulate its available— is water other no measure—if emergency an
temperature. The body’s temperature rises rapidly, the As home. neighbor’s a from water get or water bottled use smothering; remove them from the area near the baby. baby. the near area the from them remove smothering; sweating mechanism fails, and the body is unable to cool ruptured, are pipes the or pipes, your thaw cannot you If
down. Body temperature may rise to 106¡F or higher within of risk a present also can bedding soft other and Pillows sleep, take precautions to prevent rolling on the baby. the on rolling prevent to precautions take sleep,
10 to 15 minutes. Heat stroke can cause death or permanent pipes. the onto dryer hair electric an eep an infant warm using your own body heat. If you must you If heat. body own your using warm infant an eep k
disability if emergency treatment is not provided. from air warm the directing by slowly them thaw Instead, arrangements to stay elsewhere. In an emergency, you can you emergency, an In elsewhere. stay to arrangements
If your pipes do freeze, do not thaw them with a torch. a with them thaw not do freeze, do pipes your If
Recognizing Heat Stroke temporary make maintained, be cannot temperature
and try to maintain a warm indoor temperature. If the the If temperature. indoor warm a maintain to try and
Warning signs of heat stroke vary but may sink. kitchen the beneath doors
body heat by shivering. Provide warm clothing for infants for clothing warm Provide shivering. by heat body
include the following: cabinet kitchen open example, For pipes. adults; and (2) unlike adults, infants can’t make enough make can’t infants adults, unlike (2) and adults; Improve the circulation of heated air near air heated of circulation the Improve
¥ An extremely high body temperature ¥ room because (1) infants lose body heat more easily than easily more heat body lose infants (1) because room eep the indoor temperature warm. warm. temperature indoor the eep
(above 103¡F, orally) ¥K Infants less than one year old should never sleep in a cold a in sleep never should old year one than less Infants
¥ Red, hot, and dry skin continuously. drip Monitor Body Temperature Body Monitor Leave all water taps slightly open so they so open slightly taps water all Leave
(no sweating) ¥ Hot Weather Health expected: are temperatures cold very When
¥ Rapid, strong pulse home to freeze and sometimes rupture. sometimes and freeze to home
Emergencies ¥ Throbbing headache night. at blankets
Extreme cold can cause water pipes in your in pipes water cause can cold Extreme
Even short periods of high temperatures can cause serious ¥ Dizziness with windows cover or draperies close and doors, under
Keep a Water Supply Water a Keep
health problems. Doing too much on a hot day, spending ¥ Nausea cracks in rags or towels stuff rooms, unneeded off Close
too much time in the sun or staying too long in an overheated ¥ Confusion windows. or doors of opening unnecessary Avoid home. your
need extra ventilation, keep as much heat as possible inside possible as heat much as keep ventilation, extra need
place can cause heat-related illnesses. Know the symptoms ¥ Unconsciousness heated. adequately are
emergency cooking arrangements. However, if you don’t you if However, arrangements. cooking emergency
of heat disorders and overexposure to the sun, and be ready homes their that ensure to frequently neighbors and friends
ou may need fresh air coming in for your heater or for or heater your for in coming air fresh need may ou Y
to give first aid treatment. elderly on check Also, weather. cold severely during
Conserve Heat Conserve years of age, check the temperature in your home often often home your in temperature the check age, of years
6 7
What to Do Sometimes a victim’s muscles will begin to twitch
heat. Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors. indoors. return to signal a is shivering Persistent heat. If you see any of these signs, you may be dealing with a uncontrollably as a result of heat stroke. If this happens,
shivering. It’s an important first sign that the body is losing is body the that sign first important an It’s shivering. life-threatening emergency. Have someone call for immediate keep the victim from injuring himself, but do not place any
skin greatly increase heat loss from the body. Do not ignore not Do body. the from loss heat increase greatly skin medical assistance while you begin cooling the victim. object in the mouth and do not give fluids. If there is
health and safety: safety: and health
or using a snow blower. These materials in contact with the with contact in materials These blower. snow a using or Do the following: vomiting, make sure the airway remains open by turning
as brief as possible, and remember these tips to protect your protect to tips these remember and possible, as brief as
fueling your car your fueling and de-icing while skin
or alcohol on your your on alcohol or ¥ Get the victim to a shady area. the victim on his or her side.
are high winds, try to stay indoors. Make any trips outside trips any Make indoors. stay to try winds, high are
whenever you feel too warm. Also, avoid getting gasoline getting avoid Also, warm. too feel you whenever ¥ Cool the victim rapidly using whatever methods you
When the weather is extremely cold, and especially if there if especially and cold, extremely is weather the When
will increase heat loss, so remove extra layers of clothing of layers extra remove so loss, heat increase will can. For example, immerse the victim in a tub of
Outdoor Safety Safety Outdoor
wet clothing chills the body rapidly. Excess perspiration Excess rapidly. body the chills clothing wet cool water; place the person in a cool shower;
clothing will hold more body heat than cotton. Stay dry— Stay cotton. than heat body more hold will clothing spray the victim with cool water from a garden hose;
by wind. Wool, silk, or polypropylene inner layers of layers inner polypropylene or silk, Wool, wind. by sponge the person with cool water; or if the humidity
your doctor. doctor. your
preferably wind resistant, to to resistant, wind preferably reduce body-heat body-heat reduce
loss caused loss is low, wrap the victim in a cool, wet sheet and fan him
you have any dietary restrictions, ask restrictions, dietary any have you
Be sure the outer layer of your clothing is tightly woven, tightly is clothing your of layer outer the sure Be or her vigorously.
help maintain your body tem body your maintain help
perature. If perature. ¥ Monitor body temperature, and continue cooling
itting clothing itting f
drink warm, sweet beverages or broth to broth or beverages sweet warm, drink efforts until the body temperature drops to 101Ð102¡F.
eral layers of loose- of layers eral ev ¥s
body to lose heat more rapidly. Instead, rapidly. more heat lose to body ¥ If emergency medical personnel are delayed, call the
ater-resistant coat and boots and coat ater-resistant ¥w
caffeinated beverages—they cause your cause beverages—they caffeinated hospital emergency room for further instructions. Heat Exhaustion
mittens (they are warmer than gloves) gloves) than warmer are (they mittens ¥
stay warmer. Do not drink alcoholic or alcoholic drink not Do warmer. stay ¥ Do not give the victim fluids to drink. Heat exhaustion is a milder form of heat-related illness that
sleeves that are snug at the wrist the at snug are that sleeves ¥
Eating well-balanced meals will help you help will meals well-balanced Eating ¥ Get medical assistance as soon as possible. can develop after several days of exposure to high temper-
cover face and mouth mouth and face cover
Eat and Drink Wisely Drink and Eat atures and inadequate or unbalanced replacement of fluids. scarf or knit mask to to mask knit or scarf
¥a It is the body’s response to an excessive loss of the water hat hat ¥a
sometimes found in snow. in found sometimes and salt contained in sweat. Those most prone to heat
Adults and children should wear: wear: should children and Adults
that may be present, but won’t remove chemical pollutants chemical remove won’t but present, be may that exhaustion are elderly people, people with high blood pressure,
Dress Warmly and Stay Dry Dry Stay and Warmly Dress boil for one minute will kill most microorganisms or parasites or microorganisms most kill will minute one for boil and people working or exercising in a hot environment.
7
8 http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/windchill/
Recognizing Heat Exhaustion What to Do from 2004 May adapted Chart Chill Wind (NWS) Service Weather National
Warning signs of heat exhaustion include the following: Cooling measures that may be effective include the following:
¥ Heavy sweating ¥ Dizziness ¥ Cool, nonalcoholic beverages, as occurs. frostbite until time of amount and
¥Paleness ¥ Headache directed by your physician temperature, perceived and temperature air actual between ¥ Muscle cramps ¥ Nausea or vomiting ¥ Rest difference the shows right the to Chart Chill Wind The ¥Tiredness ¥Fainting ¥ Cool shower, bath, or
¥Weakness sponge bath cool. only are temperatures when even likely, more
¥ An air-conditioned are problems health weather-related serious winds, high are
The skin may be cool and moist. The victim’s pulse rate environment there When drop. to temperature skin causing quickly, more
will be fast and weak, and breathing will be fast and shallow. ¥ Lightweight clothing much body your from away heat carry can it increases,
If heat exhaustion is untreated, it may progress to heat wind the of speed the As cold. and wind of effects the by
stroke. Seek medical attention immediately if any of the caused skin exposed from loss heat of rate the on based is It
following occurs: Heat Cramps speed. wind the with combined is temperature air the when Heat cramps usually affect people who sweat a lot during feels body your temperature the is index Chill Wind The
¥ Symptoms are severe strenuous activity. This sweating depletes the body’s salt Chill Wind Understand ¥ The victim has heart problems or high blood pressure
and moisture. The low salt level in the muscles causes
Otherwise, help the victim to cool off, and seek medical painful cramps. Heat cramps may also be a symptom of it. overdo don’t attention if symptoms worsen or last longer than 1 hour. heat exhaustion. so warm, stay to just hard working already is body your
Recognizing Heat Cramps Remember, slowly. work and warmly dress chores, door ork in the cold. Otherwise, if you have to do heavy out- heavy do to have you if Otherwise, cold. the in ork
Heat cramps are muscle pains or spasms—usually in the w
abdomen, arms, or legs—that may occur in association hard other performing or snow shoveling about advice
with strenuous activity. If you have heart problems or are doctor’s your follow pressure, blood high or disease heart
on a low-sodium diet, get medical attention for heat cramps. have you If heart. the on strain extra an puts weather Cold void Exertion void A
8 9
What to Do If medical attention is not necessary, take these steps: ¥ Stop all activity, and sit quietly in a
cool place.
appropriate for the winter conditions. winter the for appropriate ¥ Drink clear juice or a sports beverage.
ays carry additional warm clothing warm additional carry ays lw
¥A ¥ Do not return to strenuous activity signs of cold-weather health problems. health cold-weather of signs
the car may break down. down. break may car the for a few hours after the cramps What to Do oid walking on ice or getting wet. Carefully watch for watch Carefully wet. getting or ice on walking oid Av
Don’t rely on a car to provide sufficient heat; sufficient provide to car a on rely Don’t
¥ subside, because further exertion Consult a doctor if the sunburn affects an infant younger altering substances, and avoid caffeinated beverages. caffeinated avoid and substances, altering
remove ice or snow; shattering may occur. occur. may shattering snow; or ice remove may lead to heat exhaustion or than 1 year of age or if these symptoms are present: ire starters with you. Do not use alcohol and other mood other and alcohol use not Do you. with starters ire f
er pour water on your windshield to windshield your on water pour er ev
¥N heat stroke. ¥Fever clothing, a two-wave radio, waterproof matches and paraffin and matches waterproof radio, two-wave a clothing,
supplies in your car before you leave. leave. you before car your in supplies ¥ Seek medical attention for heat ¥ Fluid-filled blisters tired. Be prepared to take emergency shelter. Pack dry Pack shelter. emergency take to prepared Be tired.
Check and restock the winter emergency winter the restock and Check
¥ cramps if they do not subside in ¥Severe pain xposed to the cold. Avoid perspiring or becoming over- becoming or perspiring Avoid cold. the to xposed e
authorities if you are late. late. are you if authorities 1 hour. hiking, camping, or skiing. Do not leave areas of the skin the of areas leave not Do skiing. or camping, hiking,
xpect to arrive. Ask them to notify to them Ask arrive. to xpect e Also, remember these tips when
Notify friends and family where you will be before you go you before be will you where family and friends Notify
your destination and when you you when and destination your treating sunburn:
Be Safe During Recreation During Safe Be
If you must travel, let someone know someone let travel, must you If
¥ Sunburn ¥Avoid repeated sun exposure.
and take a mobile phone with you. you. with phone mobile a take and Sunburn should be avoided because it damages the skin. ¥ Apply cold compresses or immerse
reduce the risk of slipping. of risk the reduce If you must travel by car, use tire chains tire use car, by travel must you If
¥ Although the discomfort is usually minor and healing often the sunburned area in cool water.
de-icing compound. Sand may also be used on walkways to walkways on used be also may Sand compound. de-icing erpasses, and bridges if at all possible. possible. all at if bridges and erpasses,
ov occurs in about a week, a more severe sunburn may require ¥ Apply moisturizing lotion to
free of ice as possible by using rock salt or another chemical another or salt rock using by possible as ice of free oid traveling on ice-covered roads, roads, ice-covered on traveling oid v
¥A medical attention. affected areas. Do not use salve,
driveways, and porches. Keep your steps and walkways as walkways and steps your Keep porches. and driveways, Do not travel in low visibility conditions. visibility low in travel not Do
¥ butter, or ointment.
Recognizing Sunburn injuries result from falls on ice-covered sidewalks, steps, sidewalks, ice-covered on falls from result injuries
advisories issued by the National Weather Service. Service. Weather National the by issued advisories ¥ Do not break blisters.
Symptoms of sunburn are well known: the skin becomes alking on ice is extremely dangerous. Many cold-weather Many dangerous. extremely is ice on alking W Listen for radio or television reports of travel of reports television or radio for Listen
¥ red, painful, and abnormally warm after sun exposure. Avoi d Ice d Be Cautious About Travel About Cautious Be
9
10
Heat Rash warmth. for Huddle with other people other with Huddle
Heat rash is a skin irritation caused by excessive sweating ¥
will lower your body temperature. temperature. body your lower will
during hot, humid weather. It can occur at any age but is water. cold in submersion
Do not eat unmelted snow because it because snow unmelted eat not Do ¥
most common in young children. or sweat, rain, from chilled becomes person
your circulation and stay warmer. warmer. stay and circulation your it can occur even at cool temperatures (above 40¡F) if a a if 40¡F) (above temperatures cool at even occur can it
As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve to legs and arms your moving keep sit, you As ¥
Recognizing Heat Rash but temperatures, cold very at likely most is Hypothermia
Heat rash looks like a red cluster of pimples or small blisters. poisoning. monoxide carbon of risk the reduce do anything about it. about anything do
It is more likely to occur on the neck and upper chest, in the will pipe—this exhaust the blocking not is snow that sure person may not know it is happening and won’t be able to able be won’t and happening is it know not may person
groin, under the breasts, and in elbow creases. Make air. in let to slightly window one opening hour, This makes hypothermia particularly dangerous because a because dangerous particularly hypothermia makes This
Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per minutes 10 about for heater) (and motor the Run ¥
making the victim unable to think clearly or move well. move or clearly think to unable victim the making
What to Do problems. health cold-related
ature. Body temperature that is too low affects the brain, the affects low too is that temperature Body ature.
Stay awake. You will be less vulnerable to vulnerable less be will You awake. Stay
The best treatment for heat rash is to provide a cooler, less ¥
The result is hypothermia, or abnormally low body temper- body low abnormally or hypothermia, is result The
humid environment. Keep the affected area dry. Dusting newspapers. or blankets, clothing, extra in head,
to cold will eventually use up your body’s stored energy. stored body’s your up use eventually will cold to
Wrap your entire body, including your including body, entire your Wrap powder may be used to increase comfort, but avoid using ¥
lose heat faster than it can be produced. Prolonged exposure Prolonged produced. be can it than faster heat lose
ointments or creams—they keep the skin warm and moist area. passenger the into
When exposed to cold temperatures, your body begins to begins body your temperatures, cold to exposed When
anything you need from the trunk the from need you anything ove and may make the condition worse. ¥M Hypothermia
Treating heat rash is simple and usually does not require snowing). not is it (if car the of
medical assistance. Other heat-related problems can be hood the raise and rescuers to signal a as ie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna the to cloth colored brightly a ie ¥T
much more severe. frostbite. and hypothermia are problems
xposure to the the to xposure e cold. The most common cold-related common most The cold. when stranded: stranded: when
Serious health problems can result from prolonged from result can problems health Serious are ice covered. These steps will increase your safety safety your increase will steps These covered. ice are
Health Emergencies Emergencies Health
choice if winter storms create poor visibility or if roadways if or visibility poor create storms winter if choice
Staying in your vehicle when stranded is often the safest the often is stranded when vehicle your in Staying
Cold-Weather What to Do if You Get Stranded Get You if Do to What
10
11
to be dead can be successfully resuscitated. successfully be can dead be to
ailable. In some cases, hypothermia victims who appear who victims hypothermia cases, some In ailable. av
armed, until the victim responds or medical aid becomes aid medical or responds victim the until armed, w
be provided. CPR should continue while the victim is being is victim the while continue should CPR provided. be
immediately. Even if the victim appears dead, CPR should CPR dead, appears victim the if Even immediately.
case, handle the victim gently, and get emergency assistance emergency get and gently, victim the handle case,
medical attention immediately. immediately. attention medical
may not seem to have a pulse or to be breathing. In this In breathing. be to or pulse a have to seem not may
the situation is an emergency—get an is situation the
A person with severe hypothermia may be unconscious and unconscious be may hypothermia severe with person A
person’s temperature. If it is below 95¡, below is it If temperature. person’s
If you notice any of these signs, take the the take signs, these of any notice you If
Get medical attention as soon as possible. as soon as attention medical Get ¥
What to Do to What
blanket, including the head and neck. neck. and head the including blanket,
the person dry and wrapped in a warm warm a in wrapped and dry person the
drowsiness drowsiness ¥
After body temperature has increased, keep increased, has temperature body After ¥
memory loss, slurred speech slurred loss, memory ¥
beverages to an unconscious person. person. unconscious an to beverages
confusion, fumbling hands hands fumbling confusion, ¥ ery low energy low ery ¥v
ut do not give alcoholic beverages. Do not try to give to try not Do beverages. alcoholic give not do ut b
shivering, exhaustion exhaustion shivering, ¥ bright red, cold skin skin cold red, bright ¥ One Last Hot Tip…
arm beverages can help increase the body temperature, body the increase help can beverages arm
¥W These self-help measures are not a substitute for medical care but may help you Adults: Adults: Infants: Infants:
clothing, towels, or sheets. sheets. or towels, clothing, to recognize and respond promptly to warning signs of trouble. Your best defense arnings signs of hypothermia: hypothermia: of signs arnings W
skin-to-skin contact under loose, dry layers of blankets, of layers dry loose, under contact skin-to-skin against heat-related illness is prevention. Staying cool and making simple changes Recognizing Hypothermia Recognizing
and groin—using an electric blanket, if available. Or use Or available. if blanket, electric an groin—using and in your fluid intake, activities, and clothing during hot weather can help you to
arm the center of the body first—chest, neck, head, neck, first—chest, body the of center the arm ¥W
who drink alcohol or use illicit drugs. illicit use or alcohol drink who remain safe and healthy.
If the victim has on any wet clothing, remove it. it. remove clothing, wet any on has victim the If ¥ periods—the homeless, hikers, hunters, etc.; and (4) people (4) and etc.; hunters, hikers, homeless, periods—the
Get the victim into a warm room or shelter. shelter. or room warm a into victim the Get ¥ cold bedrooms; (3) people who remain outdoors for long for outdoors remain who people (3) bedrooms; cold
person, as follows: as person, inadequate food, clothing, or heating; (2) babies sleeping in sleeping babies (2) heating; or clothing, food, inadequate
If medical care is not available, begin warming the warming begin available, not is care medical If ictims of hypothermia are often (1) elderly people with people elderly (1) often are hypothermia of ictims V
11 Frostbite What to Do These procedures are not substitutes for proper medical Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. care. Hypothermia is a medical emergency and frostbite Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. Because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure, should be evaluated by a health care provider. It is a good It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or first determine whether the victim also shows signs of idea to take a first aid and emergency resuscitation (CPR) toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and hypothermia, as described previously. Hypothermia is a course to prepare for cold-weather health problems. severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is more serious medical condition and requires emergency Knowing what to do is an important part of protecting your increased in people with reduced blood circulation and medical assistance. health and the health of others. among people who are not dressed properly for extremely If (1) there is frostbite but no sign of hypothermia and (2) cold temperatures. immediate medical care is not available, proceed as follows: Recognizing Frostbite ¥ Get into a warm room as soon as possible. At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out ¥ Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten of the cold or protect any exposed skin—frostbite may be feet or toes—this increases the damage. beginning. Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite: ¥ Immerse the affected area in warm—not hot—water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for ¥a white or grayish-yellow skin area One Last Cool Tip . . . unaffected parts of the body). ¥ skin that feels unusually firm or waxy Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme ¥Or, warm the affected area using body heat. ¥ numbness cold-weather conditions. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter For example, the heat of an armpit can be emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold A victim is often unaware of frostbite until someone else used to warm frostbitten fingers. weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems. points it out because the frozen tissues are numb. ¥ Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage. ¥ Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.
12 13 Frostbite What to Do These procedures are not substitutes for proper medical Frostbite is an injury to the body that is caused by freezing. If you detect symptoms of frostbite, seek medical care. care. Hypothermia is a medical emergency and frostbite Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and color in affected areas. Because frostbite and hypothermia both result from exposure, should be evaluated by a health care provider. It is a good It most often affects the nose, ears, cheeks, chin, fingers, or first determine whether the victim also shows signs of idea to take a first aid and emergency resuscitation (CPR) toes. Frostbite can permanently damage the body, and hypothermia, as described previously. Hypothermia is a course to prepare for cold-weather health problems. severe cases can lead to amputation. The risk of frostbite is more serious medical condition and requires emergency Knowing what to do is an important part of protecting your increased in people with reduced blood circulation and medical assistance. health and the health of others. among people who are not dressed properly for extremely If (1) there is frostbite but no sign of hypothermia and (2) cold temperatures. immediate medical care is not available, proceed as follows: Recognizing Frostbite ¥ Get into a warm room as soon as possible. At the first signs of redness or pain in any skin area, get out ¥ Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten of the cold or protect any exposed skin—frostbite may be feet or toes—this increases the damage. beginning. Any of the following signs may indicate frostbite: ¥ Immerse the affected area in warm—not hot—water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for ¥a white or grayish-yellow skin area One Last Cool Tip . . . unaffected parts of the body). ¥ skin that feels unusually firm or waxy Taking preventive action is your best defense against having to deal with extreme ¥Or, warm the affected area using body heat. ¥ numbness cold-weather conditions. By preparing your home and car in advance for winter For example, the heat of an armpit can be emergencies, and by observing safety precautions during times of extremely cold A victim is often unaware of frostbite until someone else used to warm frostbitten fingers. weather, you can reduce the risk of weather-related health problems. points it out because the frozen tissues are numb. ¥ Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage. ¥ Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.
12 13