Brrrr!!

Well, we are definitely at a weather turning point. This week is (meteorologically) the coldest week of the winter. Historically, this week lives up to it, too. It seems the third week of January is when we tend to see some high temperatures stay subzero. Things could certainly change, but as of right now it looks like subzero temps will dominate this upcoming weekend.

This is a great time to share some cold weather safety tips. Not that we haven’t heard this stuff before, but a little refresher couldn’t hurt. It could actually prevent the hurt. And save your extremities!

Extremely cold weather can be dangerous if you’re not prepared. Taking a few simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-related emergencies, whether you’re outdoors briefly or during prolonged exposure.

• Limit time outside and take frequent warm-up breaks
• Dress in layers, using moisture-wicking and insulated clothing
• Cover exposed skin, especially hands, feet, ears, and face
• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia (numbness, slurred speech, confusion)
• Stay dry, as wet clothing increases heat loss quickly
• Keep your phone charged and carry emergency supplies
• Eat enough calories and stay hydrated to help maintain body heat
• Use caution when traveling and keep an emergency kit in your vehicle
• Check on elderly neighbors, children, and pets regularly