Cold weather tips

Risk of Cold Weather

Little children, elderly, and people with weakened immune system should be particularly careful in cold weather because exposure to cold temperatures can jeopardize their health. But even a healthy person can be at risk of getting a flu, frostbites or hypothermia in a very cold weather if he/she does not keep warm enough.

Clothes and Footwear

If you have to go outside in cold weather or you do not have proper heating in your home, make sure you wear several layers of clothes. Your clothes should be warm and loose. Avoid tight peaces of clothes because they can slow down the blood flow and put pressure on your stomach. Do not leave your house without a hat, scarf and gloves. If you have a sensitive throat or lungs you should wear a scarf over your mouth, in order to prevent the cold air get directly in your throat. If a layer of your clothes gets wet, take it off and replace it with a dry one. You should also keep your feet warm and dry, so wear warm waterproof leather footwear. Both clothes and shoes should be made of natural fibers instead of nylon and rubber.

Your Home

Keep your home heated, especially if there are children, elderly or sick people inside. Ensure that every part of the heating system functions properly to avoid the risk of fire or carbon monoxide poisoning. If you have a heater or open fireplace, keep away inflammable objects from the heat source. If a pipe becomes frozen in your house, use a hair dryer to melt the frozen part.

On the Road

It is recommended to avoid driving in extremely cold weather or during a snow storm. It is better to use public transport instead of driving your own vehicle. However, if you have to drive yourself do not use any side roads or shortcuts, but only highways and major streets because they will be cleaned first and if you get stuck, help can arrive sooner. Ensure that you tell someone where you are headed and when you will arrive to the destination. Drive carefully and slowly. Your car should be equipped with all the necessary winter gear and make sure that you have a full tank. If you do get stuck on the road, do not leave the vehicle. Stay inside and move your legs and arms to stimulate blood flow and to keep warm until help arrives. You can start the car and turn on the heater but only for a little while. It is very important that the exhaust pipe in not obstructed because you can suffocate with carbon monoxide. You can also open the window just a little bit to allow some fresh air in.