Health And Safety Tips To Deal With The Winter Chill
Provided by State of Wisconsin Emergency Management
As the thermometer continues to drop in Wisconsin, people need to be prepared for the blustery conditions. Below are some health and safety tips to deal with the winter chill.
- Frostbite is damage to body tissue caused by extreme cold. A wind chill of 20 Fahrenheit (F) could cause frostbite in just 15 minutes or less. Frostbite causes a loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear tips or the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected seek medical care Immediately!
- Hypothermia is a condition that develops when the body temperature drops below 95F. It is very deadly. Warning signs include uncontrollable shivering, disorientation, slurred speech and drowsiness. Seek medical care Immediately!
- Overexertion is dangerous. Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make an existing medical condition worse.
