Impact - Cold Weather Tips

Cold Weather Tips

Be alert to shivering, the body's way of trying to warm the skin. This is your first warning to seek heat. When the victim has consumed alcohol, increased warm blood flow tricks body "heat sensors" into believing all is well. This short circuits the mechanism that would normally trigger shivering.
Other hypothermia symptoms to guard against include: poor coordination, slowing of paceÐhanging back, increasingly numb hands and feet (causing clumsiness and dexterity loss), dazed and confused behavior, slurred and slow speech, hallucinations, dilated pupils, decreased attention span and adverse personality changes. Professional, medical care should be sought immediately with hypothermic onset symptoms-even for those who have appeared to recover completely.
To survive in MinnesotaÕs outdoors, layered clothing should be worn, including long underwear, T-shirt, long, loose wool pants or knickers, shirt and sweater, a stocking cap that covers face and mouth, a scarf, 2 pair mittens, 2 pair socks (1 light and 1 heavier), waterproof boots with liners such as Sorels and a comfortable fitting parka. Keep extra clothing in the car for emergencies.
Enjoy Minnesota's great winter outdoors but respect the cold and its effects. Good common sense is the most important. Then savor that hot toddy or cocoa while relaxing in front of a crackling fireplace after an exhilarating hike outdoors.

Minnesota Prevention Resource Center
2720 Highway 10
Mounds View, MN 55112
763-427-5310
e-mail: comments@miph.org