Winter Weather Toolkit

Infographics

 AVOID SPOT TREAT FROSTBITE & HYPOTHERMIA Signs & Symptoms — Redness or pain in any skin area may be the first sign of frostbite. Other signs include: — a white or grayish-yellow skin area — skin that feels unusually firm or waxy — numbness Hypothermia often occurs at very cold temperatures, but can occur at cool temperatures (above 40°F), if a person is wet (from rain, sweat or cold water) and becomes chilled. In cold temperatures, your body begins to lose heat faster than it can be produced, which can lead to serious health problems. ....AVOID.... When the weather is extremely cold, try to stay indoors. If you must go outside, dress properly and know who is at high risk for hypothermia or frostbite. When going outside be sure to wear: A SCARF OR KNIT MASK THAT COVERS FACE & MOUTH MITTENS OR GLOVES WATER-RESISTANT BOOTS A HAT A WATER- RESISTANT COAT SEVERAL LAYERS OF LOOSE-FITTING CLOTHING When going outside in winter make sure body parts most often affected by frostbite are covered in warm, dry clothing. NOSE EARS TOES CHEEKS CHIN FINGERS Know who is at high risk: Older adults without proper food, clothing, or heating People who stay outdoors for long periods (homeless, hikers, hunters, etc.) People who drink alcohol in excess or use illicit drugs Babies sleeping in cold rooms ....SPOT .... A victim is often unaware of frostbite because frozen tissue is numb. Signs & Symptoms Adults: — shivering — exhaustion — confusion — fumbling hands — memory loss — slurred speech — drowsiness Infants: — bright red, cold skin — very low energy If a person’s temperature is below 95° get medical attention immediately. .... TREAT.... If a person is experiencing hypothermia or frostbite… 1 SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE 2 GET THEM INTO A WARM ROOM OR SHELTER 3 REMOVE ANY WET CLOTHING 4 WARM THEM UNDER DRY LAYERS OF BLANKETS AND CLOTHING 5 PLACE AREAS AFFECTED BY FROSTBITE IN WARM-TO-TOUCH WATER FROSTBITE CAUTON Since skin may be numb, victims of frostbite can harm themselves further. Use caution when treating frostbite and: 1 UNLESS NECESSARY, DO NOT WALK ON FEET OR TOES WITH FROSTBITE 2 DO NOT USE A FIREPLACE, HEAT LAMP, RADIATOR, OR STOVE FOR WARMING 3 DO NOT USE A HEATING PAD OR ELECTRIC BLANKET FOR WARMING 4 DO NOT RUB OR MASSAGE AREAS WITH FROSTBITE http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/staysafe/index.asp VDH Logo. Virginia Department of Health. Healthy People in Healthy Communities. www.vdh.virginia.gov Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention logo

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General

Using a space heater? Practice proper safety procedures http://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/duringstorm/indoorsafety.html

Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning if you are using gas-powered devices: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/winter-weather-preparedness/

Portable generators can cause carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock/electrocution or fire. See tips at  http://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/duringstorm/indoorsafety.html

Exercise caution when using gas-powered appliances. Learn the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/severe-weather-preparedness/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/

Don’t use extension cords to plug in your space heater. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/duringstorm/indoorsafety.html

Learn with your kids about what to do before, during, and after a winter storm: 1.usa.gov/1998n4i.

Get your pets ready for winter weather! Bring your pets indoors as temperatures drop! http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/documents/BeReady_Winter.pdf

Take caution in extremely cold weather; know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/winter-weather-preparedness/

Before a storm

A winter storm is coming, learn how to stay safe: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/winter-weather-preparedness/

Freeze a bag of water to keep fridge temps lower if the power goes out. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/severe-weather-preparedness/food-safety/

As the storm approaches, be mindful of charging your mobile devices. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/severe-weather-preparedness/preparing-your-emergency-supply-kit/

Plan ahead: run errands (and don’t forget emergency supplies) now so that you don’t have to drive once the storm starts.

During a storm

During a #WinterStorm, follow directions from local officials. If they say to stay off the roads, avoid travel unless in an emergency.

If your power goes out, keep your fridge door closed! It will keep cold for about 4 hours unopened. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/severe-weather-preparedness/food-safety/

After a storm

Avoid falls. Walk slowly and carefully on icy surfaces and packed snow. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/winter-weather-preparedness/

If power lines are down, call your local utility and emergency services. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/winter-weather-preparedness/

If you lost power during the storm discard any perishable food that has been above 40°F for two hours or more http://ow.ly/Lpmn301nbFp

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General

Using a space heater? Practice proper safety procedures http://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/duringstorm/indoorsafety.html

Know the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning if you are using gas-powered devices: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/winter-weather-preparedness/

Portable generators can cause carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, electrical shock/electrocution or fire. See tips at  http://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/duringstorm/indoorsafety.html

Exercise caution when using gas-powered appliances. Learn the signs of carbon monoxide poisoning https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/severe-weather-preparedness/carbon-monoxide-poisoning/

Don’t use extension cords to plug in your space heater. https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/winter/duringstorm/indoorsafety.html

Learn with your kids about what to do before, during, and after a winter storm: 1.usa.gov/1998n4i.

Get your pets ready for winter weather! Bring your pets indoors as temperatures drop! http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/documents/BeReady_Winter.pdf

Take caution in extremely cold weather; know the signs of frostbite and hypothermia: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/winter-weather-preparedness/

Before a storm

A winter storm is coming, learn how to stay safe: https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/winter-weather-preparedness/

Freeze a bag of water to keep fridge temps lower if the power goes out. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/severe-weather-preparedness/food-safety/

During a storm

During a #WinterStorm, follow directions from local officials. If they say to stay off the roads, avoid travel unless in an emergency.

If your power goes out, keep your fridge door closed! It will keep cold for about 4 hours unopened. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/severe-weather-preparedness/food-safety/

After a storm

Avoid falls. Walk slowly and carefully on icy surfaces and packed snow. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/winter-weather-preparedness/

If power lines are down, call your local utility and emergency services. https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/news/public-relations-contacts/winter-weather-preparedness/

If you lost power during the storm discard any perishable food that has been above 40°F for two hours or more http://ow.ly/Lpmn301nbFp